The just-concluded UMC Fort Portal Tourism City Rally was another stage for the “Subaru Doctor” to show his class. Clocking 1:20:53, Lwakataka claimed three stage wins out of nine, including the all-important power stage that handed him extra points.
Trouble-free from start to finish, the veteran left Fort Portal with victory in hand and the championship leader Ronald Sebuguzi just six points ahead.
Sebuguzi, cool and clinical in his own Ford fiesta proto, chased hard but had to settle for second in 1:22:23. The podium was wrapped up by the KCB-backed crew of Mike Mukula Jr and Edward Kiyingi, who impressed in their Subaru N14 with 1:23:09, also bagging three stage wins along the way.
Behind them, Samuel Bwette/Mildred Kibuuka (Subaru N14) slotted into fourth with 1:26:52, while the fan-favourite highlight came from Musa Ssegaabwe/Mathias Kiyega.
In true “Mad Max” fashion, they completed the 2nd last stage on one tyre and three punctures in their Evo 9, still clinging onto fifth place in 1:27:50. Not to be outdone Duncan “Kikankane” Mubiru went sightseeing into nearby plantations during the power stage in his Ford Fiesta, leaving fans both gasping.
The 2WD crews gave their own dose of fireworks. Julius Semambo/Jafer Lukenge piloted their trusty Toyota Sprinter to victory in 1:37:28, but not without a fierce battle with Ibrahim Lubega/Mustapha Kanakulya (Toyota FX) who chased to 1:39:25.
Third place was sealed by Mansoor Lubega/Ronald Bukenya in a Toyota Corolla, despite a four-minute penalty that pushed them back to 1:46:58.
The Clubman Rally Championship (CRC) produced its own drama. Walter Kibande/Duncan Katumba (Subaru GC8) claimed victory in 54:20:92, but not without stiff competition. Rising star Kevin Bebeto/Siraj Kyambade (Subaru N10) were on course for glory until a broken driveshaft in the super special stage dropped them to second with 57:24:03.
Nuwagaba Odeon/Hussein Mukuye (Toyota Altezza) continued their consistent run in third on 1:05:31, while Ahmed Kateete/Morgan Serugga closed out the class.
- Ronald Sebuguzi – 241 pts
- Ponsiano Lwakataka – 235 pts
- Musa Ssegaabwe – 207.5 pts
- Duncan Mubiru – 140 pts
- Aine Sordo Kaguta – 139.5 pts
- Mike Mukula Jr – 131 pts
- Didas Matisko – 124 pts
- Peter Kalule – 124 pts
- Yasin Nasser – 110 pts
With just two rounds left, the NRC title fight is tighter than a turbo pipe. Lwakataka is breathing down Sebuguzi’s neck, while the midfield remains a battlefield of its own. Before the championship roars north to Gulu for Round 6, fans will warm up at Samuel Watendwa’s fundraising sprint in Festiono City on September21, 2025 a likely appetiser for the showdown to come.
