Mbarara is set to host the highly anticipated Round 1 of the 2025 Uganda National Rally Championship (NRC), scheduled for January 24th to 26th. The event, organized by MPU, promises to kick off the rally season with a bang, and fans and crews alike are eagerly awaiting what is traditionally one of the most competitive events on the calendar.
This year’s event, which has been aptly named Lumala @60 Mum @90, will not only celebrate the remarkable milestones of rally legend Moses Lumala who turns 60 but also mark a special occasion for his mother, who will be celebrating 90 years. In a significant twist, Moses Lumala will be making his return to active rallying after a lengthy break. The event is thus not only a test of skill for current rally crews but also a celebration of a Ugandan legend.
The Mbarara Rally holds a special place in Uganda’s rallying history, with the event known for its fierce competition. There is a longstanding belief that the winner of the Mbarara Rally goes on to clinch the overall NRC title, and the upcoming edition is expected to continue this tradition. With a stacked entry list, it’s clear that drivers are aiming to make an early statement in the 2025 season.
Crews are busy in their garages, preparing and fine-tuning their machines ahead of the rally. This opening round is particularly important, as it sets the tone for the rest of the championship. The first event often offers the best opportunity for competitors to start the season on a high note, providing both the strength and strategy needed to tackle the subsequent rounds.
Mbarara Rally has produced a variety of winners over the years, each one adding to the event’s rich history. Here’s a brief overview of the past winners.
- 2017: Omar Mayanja / Hussein Mkuye
- 2018: Jas Mangat / Joseph Kamya
- 2019: Jas Mangat / Joseph Kamya
- 2020: Duncan Mubiru / Musa Nsubuga
- 2021: Event cancelled due to COVID-19
- 2022: Ponsiano Lwakataka / Paul Musazi
- 2023: Yasin Nasser / Ali Katumba
- 2024: Jas Mangat / Enoch Olinga
Last year’s event saw Jas Mangat and co-driver Enoch Olinga take the top spot in their Hyundai i20. Their victory at the Mbarara Rally proved pivotal as they went on to win the 2024 NRC, reinforcing the idea that success in Mbarara often translates into overall championship glory.
This year’s event will also see the return of some prominent figures in Ugandan rallying. Duncan Mubiru, who has been absent from the circuit for the past year, will be making his comeback. His return adds an exciting dynamic to the already competitive field, and fans will be keen to see how he performs after a period away from the sport.
As for Moses Lumala, his return to active rallying has many wondering whether he’s just here to remind the young bucks who’s boss, or if he’s planning to show off some ancient rally secrets passed down through the ages. Either way, the rally will certainly be an emotional rollercoaster for fans who’ve watched Moses dominate the sport over the years.
As the drivers prepare their cars and mentally gear up for the challenging terrain of Mbarara, the question remains: Could this year’s event break the tradition of Mbarara being the championship predictor? With fresh talent and seasoned drivers like Mangat, Nasser, and Mubiru, the competition is bound to be fierce.
The Lumala @60 Mum @90 Mbarara Rally is shaping up to be an event to remember. It will offer an exciting start to the 2025 NRC season and provide a fitting tribute to the legend that is Moses Lumala. As always, rally fans are in for a thrilling weekend of high-speed action, and all eyes will be on Mbarara come January 24th.
