The battle for supremacy in the 2026 KCB National Rally Championship is set to intensify after 37 crews confirmed participation for the highly anticipated third round of the championship, scheduled to take place in Greater Masaka from June 19th to 20th.

With the championship entering a crucial phase, the Masaka event is expected to play a significant role in shaping the title race. By the conclusion of the rally, the championship picture is expected to become much clearer, with genuine title contenders beginning to separate themselves from the chasing pack. Every point will matter as crews push their machines to the limit in pursuit of victory and valuable championship points.

The event will officially kick off with scrutineering on Thursday, June 18th, before the competitive action begins on Friday. Day One will feature a stage along the Nabugabo Road that will be run twice before crews head to the spectator-friendly Super Special Stage at Nabugabo Sand Beach, where fans are expected to witness thrilling side-by-side action and dramatic moments under the evening atmosphere.

The rally then shifts to Sembabule for Day Two, where competitors will tackle four demanding stages. The longest test of the event will be the 33.31-kilometre Kyabi Stage, a section expected to challenge both man and machine with its combination of speed, technical corners and endurance demands. The shortest stage will be the 12.14-kilometre Chairman Toyota Stage, which will also serve as the event’s Power Stage where crucial bonus points will be up for grabs.

In total, crews will cover 303.86 kilometres, including 126.71 competitive kilometres and 177.17 liaison kilometres. The Masaka and Sembabule roads have built a reputation over the years for being among the fastest and most technical stages on the national calendar. Drivers will need a perfect blend of speed, precision and reliability to emerge victorious.

Leading the charge will be championship leaders Hassan Alwi Jr and Musa Nsubuga, who arrive in Masaka full of confidence following impressive performances in the opening two rounds. The pair will be eager to extend their lead at the top of the standings and further strengthen their title ambitions.

Multiple national champion Ronald Sebuguzi together with co-driver Anthony Mugambwa will be determined to close the gap on the leaders and keep themselves firmly in contention. Likewise, Umar Dauda and Steven Bunya know that a strong result is essential if they are to remain within touching distance of the championship summit.

The home crowd will have plenty to cheer about as Hon. Aine Sodo and veteran rally star Asuman Mohamed take on the event on familiar Sembabule roads. With local knowledge and passionate support expected along the stages, the pair will be hoping to use home advantage to challenge for top honours.

The rally will also mark the return of young sensation Ali Omar and co-driver Wazir, whose comeback has generated considerable excitement among fans. Their return adds further depth to an already competitive entry list.

Musa Ssegaabwe and Mathias Kiyega are expected to be among the crews attracting attention as they unleash their increasingly competitive Škoda N5 machine. Also expected to feature prominently are Duncan Mubiru “Kikankane” and Hamza Lwanga in their Ford Fiesta Proto, while Moses Lumala and Cedric Buzabo will be looking to make their presence felt in another Ford Fiesta Proto.

After two rounds, the championship standings remain tightly contested:

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 such narrow margins separating several of the leading contenders, Masaka could prove to be a turning point in the championship. One good rally can catapult a crew into title contention, while one mechanical failure can undo months of hard work. In rallying, championship dreams can be built in one stage and shattered in the next.

Meanwhile, organisers are finalising preparations to ensure a safe, well-organised and enjoyable event for competitors, officials, sponsors and the thousands of fans expected to line the stages. With a strong entry list, fast roads, passionate supporters and valuable championship points at stake, all ingredients are in place for what promises to be one of the most exciting rounds of the 2026 KCB National Rally Championship season.

The opening two rounds of the 2026 KCB National Rally Championship are now done and dusted, and if the first half of the season is anything to go by, Ugandan rally fans are in for one unforgettable championship battle. Round two delivered drama, heartbreak, fierce competition, and moments that will remain in the memories of many crews and fans alike. But as the dust settles, the championship caravan now heads for what many competitors have always described as one of the most enjoyable and budget-friendly events on the calendar  the much-anticipated SMC Challenge Rally.

It is once again that exciting time of the year when the rally fraternity descends on the vibrant Greater Masaka region for the third round of the KCB NRC, scheduled to take place from 19th to 20th June 2026. Over the years, the SMC Challenge Rally has built a reputation for delivering smooth and flowing roads, manageable logistics for crews, and unforgettable nightlife and fan experiences in Masaka City. From the competitive stages to the electrifying atmosphere around service parks and hangout spots, Masaka has consistently proven why it remains one of the favorite destinations for rally enthusiasts across the country.

This year’s edition will cover a total distance of 303.88 kilometres, of which 126.71 kilometres will be competitive sections while 177.17 kilometres will be liaison stages. Day one of the rally, scheduled for Friday 19th June, will take crews through stages around Masaka proceeding to Nabugabo Sand Beach, where one stage will be repeated before fans are treated to the always-thrilling Super Special Stage later in the afternoon. The beachside atmosphere, roaring engines, clouds of dust, music, and massive crowds are expected to once again create an unforgettable rally spectacle.

On Saturday 20th June, crews will head to Sembabule sections for day two action, where endurance, speed, and consistency are expected to play a major role in determining who stands tallest at the finish line.

As the championship heads into round three, all eyes remain firmly fixed on championship leaders Hassin Alwi Jr and co-driver Musa Nsubuga, who currently command the standings with an impressive 118 points following dominant performances in the opening two rounds. Their consistency and pace have made them the early team to beat this season.

Not too far behind are Umar Dauda and Steven Bunya on 82.5 points, keeping their championship hopes alive as they continue to pile pressure on the leaders. The experienced Duncan Mubiru, despite suffering a disappointing start to the season in Mbale, sits third overall with 79 points and remains a dangerous contender capable of bouncing back strongly in Masaka.

Tanzania’s Randeep Singh occupies fourth position with 77 points after a superb outing during the Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally in Mbarara, where he emerged victorious in the NRC category and announced himself as a serious championship challenger.

Completing the top five is former national champion Yasin Nasser on 73 points. Although he has yet to fully stamp his authority on the season, few would rule out the experienced driver from mounting a comeback as the championship progresses.

With only two rounds completed and six more still remaining on the calendar, the 2026 KCB National Rally Championship remains very much wide open. Every point now matters, every stage becomes crucial, and every mistake could prove costly in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive rally seasons in recent years. After the Masaka showdown, the championship battle will then shift eastwards to Soroti for round four, where another chapter of high-speed drama awaits Uganda’s rallying faithful.

The stage is set for what is shaping up to be the most historic edition of the Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, with a record-breaking entry list signaling a new era for Ugandan motorsport. By the close of entries, a staggering 65 crews had confirmed participation, making it the biggest entry since the rally’s inception. Of these, 20 crews will battle for continental honors in the African Rally Championship (ARC) category, while the rest will fight it out in the highly competitive national class.

Scheduled to run from May 7th to 10th across Mbarara and Kiruhura Districts, this year’s event has attracted a formidable lineup of regional talent. From Kenya, notable entries include Karan Patel, Samman Vohra, and former national champion Jasmeet Chana, all eager to challenge for top honors on Ugandan soil.

Tanzania will also be strongly represented, headlined by reigning national champion Ahmed Huwel, who is set to debut his recently acquired Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. The Birdi brothers, Randeep Singh Birdi and Manvir Birdi, have also entered, competing in the national category with a Ford Fiesta Proto and a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX respectively.

From Rwanda, Christian Kanangire returns to action in a Subaru Impreza N12, aiming to carry forward his impressive form from the Safari Rally. He will be joined by fellow Rwandan competitor Queen Kalimpinya, adding further depth to the regional contest.

On the home front, Uganda’s charge in the ARC category will be led by reigning African champion Yasin Nasser, navigated by long-time co-driver Ali Katumba. The crew will once again field their trusted Ford Fiesta R5 as they aim to defend both national pride and their continental crown. They will be joined by a strong Ugandan contingent including Mike Mukula Jr, Aine Sodo Kaguta,  young star Kevin Bebeto, Stefano Valeri, and Godfrey Nsereko, who is set to debut his Toyota Etios in the ARC class.

Meanwhile, the national category promises fireworks of its own, with Uganda’s finest rally stars all confirmed. Fan favorites such as Duncan Mubiru, Hassan Alwi Jr, Ronald Ssebuguzi, Ponsiano Lwakataka, Moses Lumala, and returning driver Jonas Kansime are all set to light up the stages, ensuring intense competition across the board.

The rally will cover a total distance of 569.16 kilometers, with 201.85 kilometers designated as competitive stages and 367.31 kilometers as liaison sections. With its record entry, diverse international presence, and a blend of seasoned champions and rising stars, the 2026 edition of the Pearl of Africa Rally is not just another round of the championship it is a defining moment for rallying in the region.