Mbale came alive this evening excitement filled the air when 30 crews were officially flagged off for the 2026 MPU Mbale Rally, marking a spectacular start to the opening round of the KCB national rally championship.
Following scrutineering earlier today at Shell Elgon, crews headed to the ceremonial start at KCB Bank Mbale branch, where thousands of passionate fans gathered, eager to witness a motorsport spectacle many described as “long overdue.”
The atmosphere in Mbale town was electric, with engines revving, horns blaring, and fans lining the streets to catch a glimpse of their cars.
The ceremonial flag-off not only signaled the start of the rally weekend but also reignited the region’s deep love for motorsport.
Day One of the rally promises intense action as crews head to Budaka District for two competitive stages.
The opening test will be the Ali Katumba stage, stretching 13.50 kilometers, followed by the Dusman Okee stage, covering a demanding 133.16 kilometers.
Both stages will be repeated, testing endurance, and consistency before drivers wrap up the day with a crowd-thrilling super special stage at Maluku Stadium, where head-to-head battles are expected to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
With high speeds anticipated in the opening stages, drivers will need to strike a fine balance between aggression and caution.
Weather could also play a crucial role, as any rainfall may turn sections of the route slippery, adding another layer of unpredictability to an already challenging course.
Day Two shifts the battle to Bukedea District, where crews will tackle two more stages, each run twice, before concluding the rally with a decisive power stage in the evening.
Here, drivers will push to the absolute limit in pursuit of valuable bonus points that could prove crucial in the championship standings.
Among the notable crews flagged off are several strong contenders backed by KCB Bank, including Nasser Mutebi, Mike Mukula.
The ever-exciting Duncan Mubiru, famously known as “Kikankane,” who will be piloting his Ford Fiesta Proto. Moses Lumala is also returning in the mix with a similar Ford Fiesta Proto, while Musa Ssegaabwe has turned heads after unveiling his new Škoda Fabia RS N5.
Rising talent Kevin Bebeto will also be one to watch after introducing his Mitsubishi Evo 9, adding further depth to an already competitive field.
As the rally gets underway, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a thrilling weekend of high-speed action, fierce rivalries, and dramatic moments.
The first competitive stage is scheduled to get underway tomorrow morning at exactly 08:38hrs.