Rwanda’s rally star, Adolphe Nshimiyimana, affectionately known as Daddy, is ready to make a statement at the highly anticipated Lumala @60 Mum @90 Birthday Rally from January 24th to 26th in Mbarara. The event, which serves as the opening round of the 2025 National Rally Championship (NRC), will see Nshimiyimana face off against Uganda’s finest drivers in what promises to be a thrilling event.
Nshimiyimana, along with his co-driver Regis Karingirwa, will be the only foreign entry in this year’s rally, competing in a Subaru Impreza N10. This car marks a new chapter for Nshimiyimana, who transitioned from a Toyota Celica GT4 in 2024. With a rallying career that kicked off in 2019 in the Rwanda National Championship, Nshimiyimana is well-prepared to take on Uganda’s rally elite, and the chance to test his skills on a bigger stage is one he relishes.
According to the team’s manager, Kevin Mujiji, the Rwandan team is expected to arrive in Mbarara by Tuesday evening to make final preparations. “We are thrilled to compete in Uganda and are ready for a challenging and exciting weekend ahead,” said Mujiji.
The Lumala @60 Mum @90 Rally is already shaping up to be a fierce contest, attracting a star-studded field of 43 crews, including some of Uganda’s top drivers. Among them is YasinNasser, the reigning 2023 NRC Champion, who will be behind the wheel of his Ford Fiesta R5. Also making a return is Duncan Mubiru, after a year-long break from the sport, hungry for victory
Other top contenders include Mike Mukula Jr., who will team up with co-driver Siraj Kyambade in a Subaru Impreza N14, and Ronald Ssebuguzi, the 2024 NRC first runner-up. PonsianoLwakataka, whose aggressive driving style earned him the nickname “Mafu Mafu,” will also be on the hunt for top honours in his Subaru Impreza N12B.
As the season opener, the rally is an important opportunity for drivers to knock off any rust from the off-season and set their rhythm for the challenges ahead. With such a competitive field, the event promises to be a captivating clash of skill, strategy, and speed.
The rally, organized by MPU, will cover a total distance of 295.16 kilometers, including 140.64 kilometers of competitive stages and 154.52 kilometers of liaison sections. There are seven gravel stages, each designed to challenge both driver abilities and vehicle durability.
The action kicks off on Friday with a 14.32-kilometer stage from Biharwe to Kanyaryeru, followed by a double-circuit super special stage. Saturday’s proceedings will include five stages, with the highlight being the 30.62-kilometer Lumala stage, which will be tackled twice. The event will close on Saturday with a 14.32-kilometer power stage.
The city of Mbarara is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to host some of the region’s finest rallying talents. This rally will further solidify Mbarara’s reputation as a motorsport hotspot, offering fans exhilarating competition and unpredictable drama.
As Nshimiyimana and Karingirwa make their mark in the Subaru Impreza N10, eyes will be on how the Rwandan crew measures up against Uganda’s established rally stars. Motorsport enthusiasts are in for an adrenaline-packed weekend, with high-speed action, dramatic twists, and moments that will set the stage for a spectacular 2025 rally season.
