The fight for the 2026 KCB National Rally Championship is set to reach another exciting milestone after 37 crews confirmed their participation in the third round of the championship, scheduled to take place in Greater Masaka from June 19th to 20th.
With two rounds already completed, the championship battle remains wide open, but the upcoming Masaka event could prove to be a defining moment in the season.
As the championship approaches its halfway stage, drivers and co-drivers know that every point earned or lost could have a significant impact on their title ambitions.
By the end of the weekend, the championship standings are expected to provide a clearer picture of who the genuine contenders for the 2026 crown will be.
The event will begin with scrutineering on Thursday, June 18th, before crews tackle the opening competitive stages on Friday.
Day One will feature a stage along Nabugabo Road, which will be run twice before competitors head to the spectacular Super Special Stage at Nabugabo Sand Beach, where thousands of fans are expected to gather for an evening of high-speed entertainment.
Action then shifts to Sembabule on Saturday for the decisive stages of the rally. Crews will tackle four competitive tests, including the demanding 33.31-kilometre Kyabi Stage, the longest section of the event.
The shortest stage will be the 12.14-kilometre Chairman Toyota Stage, which carries added importance as the designated Power Stage where bonus championship points will be available.
The rally route will cover a total distance of 303.86 kilometres, comprising 126.71 competitive kilometres and 177.17 kilometres of liaison sections.
Known for their fast, flowing, and technical nature, the roads of Masaka and Sembabule have historically rewarded brave driving while punishing the slightest mistakes.
Maintaining speed without compromising reliability will be critical for every crew hoping to reach the finish.
Leading the championship heading into the event are Hassan Alwi Jr and Musa Nsubuga, who have enjoyed a near-perfect start to the season.
Their consistency and pace have seen them establish a healthy advantage at the top of the standings, but they face increasing pressure from a determined chasing pack.
Among those looking to close the gap are Umar Dauda and Steven Bunya, who currently occupy second place in the championship. Another crew eager to make up ground is the experienced pairing of Ronald Sebuguzi and Anthony Mugambwa, whose vast experience could prove crucial on the demanding Masaka stages.
The rally will also feature strong local interest as Hon. Aine Sodo and rally legend Asuman Mohamed compete on familiar home territory. Backed by passionate supporters from Sembabule, both crews will be hoping to use their local knowledge to challenge for top positions.
Fans will also welcome the return of Ali Omar and Wazir, one of the country’s most exciting young crews. Their comeback adds another competitive dimension to an already strong field and could potentially influence the outcome at the front of the rally.
Elsewhere, Musa Ssegaabwe and Mathias Kiyega will be looking to demonstrate the pace of their Škoda N5, while Duncan Mubiru “Kikankane” and Hamza Lwanga are expected to be among the frontrunners in their Ford Fiesta Proto. Moses Lumala and Cedric Buzabo will also be aiming to make their mark as the battle for podium positions intensifies.
Current championship standings after two rounds are:
- 1. Hassan Alwi Jr – 118 points
- 2. Umar Dauda – 82.5 points
- 3. Duncan Mubiru – 79 points
- 4. Randeep Singh – 77 points
- 5. Yasin Nasser – 73 points
With several of the leading crews separated by relatively small margins, the Masaka rally presents a golden opportunity for championship hopefuls to strengthen their positions. A strong finish could launch a crew into title contention, while retirement or mechanical trouble could significantly dent championship hopes.
Organisers have meanwhile intensified preparations to ensure a safe and successful event for competitors, officials and spectators. With a strong entry list, challenging stages and valuable championship points at stake, all signs point to a fiercely contested weekend as Uganda’s finest rally crews prepare to do battle on the famous roads of Greater Masaka. The championship race is heating up, and Round Three may well be remembered as the event where the title fight truly came alive.
