The countdown is on, and in just 17 days, the engines will roar as Fort Portal and Kyenjojo host the 5th round of the 2025 Uganda National Rally Championship (NRC) from 22nd to 24th August. This event is not just another rally it could be the defining moment of the season.
With a total distance of 265.3 km, including 137.07 km of competitive stages, this rally promises to be an action filled weekend. Three leading crews are separated by fewer than 20 points, meaning a single mistake or a brilliant run could completely reshuffle the championship leaderboard.
The excitement begins with the official launch on 12th August at Supremacy Lounge, followed by scrutineering in Fort Portal on Friday, 22nd August. That evening, the ceremonial start will take place at Kalya Courts Hotel, officially flagging off a weekend of speed.
Day 1 – Saturday, 23rd August
Saturday morning will see action ignite in Kyenjojo:
- Henry Maseruka Stage (17.3 km) – Opening the rally with a mix of technical corners and fast stretches.
- Worldwide Movers Stage (15.74 km) – Demanding accuracy, this stage will test both drivers and machines.
Both stages will be run twice, with a 30-minute service in between, before the day wraps up with the Kyenjojo Super Special Stage. This head-to-head showdown on a new double-track circuit will draw massive crowds, setting the tone for the overnight parc fermé in Fort Portal.
Day 2 – Sunday, 24th August
Sunday’s stages are also designed to thrill and punish in equal measure:
- Mukwano Karmali Stage (15.21 km) – Scenic yet deceptive, this is the stage where Wasswa and Michael Kizito famously rolled their Toyota Celica 100 meters to the start of the stage in 2016
- Mpanga Stage (15.21 km) – Home to the legendary “Duncan’s Bridge,” where Duncan Mubiru had a heart-stopping near miss with the river.
- Harugongo Stage (12.82 km) – A fan-favorite ending behind Kyakaigo Race Track.
After a brief service, crews will tackle Mpanga and Harugongo again, with Harugongo serving as the Power Stage, offering critical bonus points that could decide the championship.
Championship Tension Builds
With four rounds behind us, the NRC title fight is heating up:
Overall NRC
- Ronald Sebuguzi – 187 pts
- Ponsiano Lwakataka – 175 pts
- Musa Ssegaabwe – 165.5 pts
2WD Category
- Mansoor Lubega – 66.5 pts
- Julious Semambo – 61.5 pts
- Edward Kirumira – 60.5 pts
CRC Category
- Walter Kibande – 55 pts
- Ahmeed Katete – 50 pts
- Kevin Bebeto – 42 pts
The question is who will master the West and claim supremacy in the 2025 NRC?
With only 21.5 points separating the top three in the overall standings, every kilometer in Fort Portal and Kyenjojo will count. The rally could crown a new championship leader or tighten the fight even more as the season heads toward its climax.
