Meet Nasib Pro The Rally Driver Driven by Passion

Nassib Sesanga, popularly known in motorsport circles as Nasib Pro, is a rally driver whose journey into the sport has been shaped by curiosity, persistence, and a deep-rooted passion for motorsport , a proud member of the Southern Motor Club, one of Uganda’s active rallying clubs.

Born in Entebbe, Nasib is the son of the late Mohammed Nsimbi and Lukia Nassazi. Before rallying became a central part of his life, he was an avid cricket fan. His exposure to motorsport came through family connections, as his late father worked with veteran rally driver Mzee Wyclif Bukenya, who competed in events around Kazzi. Although his father was not keen on his children getting involved in rallying, frequent stories about the sport sparked Nasib’s interest.

As a student, Nasib would often walk to Kazzi to watch rally cars in action. Witnessing the speed, sound, and spectacle of rallying left a lasting impression on him and gradually turned his curiosity into a clear ambition.

In 2011, Nasib took a major step by purchasing a Toyota Celica ST185 for UGX 8 million. He used the car as a daily driver for several years before eventually converting it into a full rally car. Over the years, the car has undergone multiple engine changes, but the original shell has remained in use for more than 15 years, reflecting Nasib’s commitment to consistency and long-term development.

Nasib made his competitive debut in 2022 at a sprint event held at Festino Cite, navigated by Mungufeni Phinias. While results were modest, completing the event and earning a medal marked an important milestone in his rally career.

Building on that experience, he competed in the 2023 Autocross Championship, which he successfully completed. In 2024, he progressed to the CRC class, completing the season in 2025 with a commendable 5th place overall finish. The result highlighted the value of discipline, steady improvement, and effective car management.

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Nasib plans to continue campaigning his Toyota Celica pickup. He is also in discussions withPeter Brown Jr regarding a full season in the 2WD class, following his promotion from CRC.

A lifelong Toyota enthusiast, Nasib names the Toyota Yaris as his dream rally car, citing its affordability and competitive potential. He believes that manageable budgets and reliable machinery are key to sustained participation in the sport.

On the state of Ugandan motorsport, Nasib acknowledges the increasing competitiveness brought by newer and more powerful cars. While this may limit outright competitiveness for some drivers, he remains committed to staying involved for both competition and enjoyment. He also recognizes the rising talent in the sport, including Kevin Bebeto, Ahmed Katete, and Walter Kibande, among others.

Nasib credits his rally journey to strong support from Musa Kanakulya Masaka Rally Team, Mawogola Pharmacy, Njovu Estate Developers, MD Motorspares, Dr. Maseruka, fellow driver Walter Kibande, and above all, his mother, whose support has been instrumental in sustaining his rally ambitions.

From his early days watching rallies in Kazzi to competing on the national stage, Southern Motor Club member Nasib Procontinues to represent the spirit of grassroots rallying through passion, patience, and perseverance.

A Preview of the 2026 National Rally Championship

The 2026 National Rally Championship (NRC) is yet to commence, but preparations across the country indicate a season of heightened competition, expanded participation, and significant developments both on and off the stages. With teams finalizing their programs and new machinery entering the championship, expectations are steadily rising ahead of the opening round.

One of the major highlights of the 2026 season is the expanded calendar. Unlike previous seasons that featured seven rounds, the upcoming championship will comprise eight events. This additional round increases competitive opportunities while also placing greater emphasis on consistency and reliability across the season. Of particular interest is the central round, which remains unconfirmed in terms of location and organizing club. Scheduled as the final event of the season, this round could prove decisive in determining championship outcomes, especially if points margins remain narrow heading into the finale.

Mbale returns to the National Rally Championship calendar as host of the opening round, marking a significant moment for the region. Meanwhile, Soroti and Katakwi will host Round Four, introducing new competitive stages that drivers and co-drivers have not previously encountered in NRC competition. The inclusion of fresh routes is expected to challenge crews’ pace note preparation, adaptability, and overall strategy.

Beyond the championship rounds, motorsport also received recognition within the Buganda Kingdom sports calendar. The Kabaka Birthday Sprint and the Coronation Sprint have both been listed, raising optimism about the possible return of motorsport activity at the Lubiri circuit. Should this materialize, it would mark an important cultural and sporting milestone for Ugandan motorsport.

Attention is firmly fixed on the competitive field, where several major developments are shaping the 2026 season. Musa Ssegaabwe and co-driver Mathias Kiyegga are awaiting the arrival of their Škoda Fabia N5, which is reportedly en route. The crew recently traveled to Spain for inspection and testing and are confident the car will significantly strengthen their championship campaign. The Fabia is expected to arrive early next month, ahead of the opening round.

In the two-wheel-drive category, Dr. Godfrey Nsereko has reinforced his campaign with the acquisition of a Toyota Etios R2 from South Africa. The early arrival of the car has allowed adequate time for preparation and familiarization, positioning the team strongly ahead of the season.

Joshua Muwanguzi, now competing in a Subaru GVB acquired from Yasin Nasser, has also drawn attention. Although the team’s debut at the Kabalega Hoima Rally did not result in a podium finish, a strong stage performance on the opening day highlighted the car’s potential. With increased seat time, the crew is expected to become increasingly competitive.

A notable driver change ahead of the season is Oscar Ntambi’s move from a Subaru N10 to a Mitsubishi Evo X Ralliart previously owned by Adam Rauf. The car’s public launch at Busiika and subsequent performance at the Champions Sprint demonstrated its competitiveness. A full rebuild is underway, with the intention of contesting both NRC and ARC events in 2026.

Moses Lumala, who continues to receive condolences following the loss of his mother, remains one of the most anticipated entries. His Ford Fiesta MK2 NRC Proto, acquired from Latvia, has generated considerable interest. After extensive private testing at the Mityana track, Lumala reappeared at the Champions Sprint in Busiika, signaling a return to competitive action.

Didas Matsiko is also preparing for the new season with an upgrade from a Subaru Impreza WRX to a Subaru Impreza GVB. Once the car debuts, the team is expected to add further intensity to an already competitive field.

Dr. Henry Maseruka and the Gazzlers Rally Team have opted for a significant step up, moving from a Toyota RunX to a Subaru Impreza N14 acquired from Zambia’s Miles Monge. The car is currently undergoing a full rebuild, while Dr. Maseruka continues training and testing in preparation for the transition. The vehicle is expected to arrive in Uganda by February.

Among the younger competitors, Kevin Bebeto has parted ways with his Subaru N10 and is actively seeking a new car suitable for both NRC and ARC competition. Although details remain undisclosed, his next move is highly anticipated within the rally community.

Fresh from their CRC 2025 success, Walter Kibande and his team are also stepping up. The Subaru GC8 that carried them to the title is being replaced by a Subaru Impreza N14, expected to arrive in the coming months. This move positions the team for a more competitive presence in the national championship.

This marks the first part of the 2026 NRC season preview. The second installment will focus on class changes, returning competitors, and emerging crews set to influence the championship landscape. As preparations continue, it is evident that the 2026 National Rally Championship is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons in recent years.

Mbale Reclaims NRC Spotlight as 2026 Rally Season Approaches

After an eight-years, Mbale is set to once again take center stage on Uganda’s motorsport calendar as it hosts the opening round of the Uganda National Rally Championship (NRC). The last time the eastern Uganda town witnessed NRC action was in 2018, when the event organized by the Mosac Club served as the championship decider. That dramatic season finale crowned Susan Muwonge as the 2018 NRC champion.

Fast forward to 2026, and Mbale is back. This time, the Motorsport Promotion Uganda (MPU) Club will oversee the opening round of the national championship, scheduled for March 27–28, shortly after the Ramadan period. As tradition dictates, the season opener is more than just the first rally on the calendar it is the event that sets the tone, lays the strategic carpet, and offers early indications of which crews are truly in championship contention.

For many years, winning the opening round has almost been synonymous with winning the title. However, that long-standing trend was dramatically broken last season. Despite Ponsiano Lwakataka claiming victory in the opening round held in Mbarara, it was Ronald Ssebuguzi who ultimately emerged as the 2025 NRC champion, reminding the paddock that consistency, not just early dominance, wins championships.

As the countdown to Mbale begins, all signs point to a fiercely competitive 2026 season. The championship is already buzzing with activity, with several crews still shopping for their “weapons of choice,” others finalizing deals, and some eagerly awaiting the arrival of newly acquired machinery. Upgrades across classes are also on the cards, as teams reshuffle in pursuit of outright pace and championship advantage.

The Mbale opener is therefore expected to debut a number of new cars and fresh driver machine combinations. After several months of rally drought, drivers and fans alike will be thirsty for action. When the engines fire up in Mbale, it won’t just mark the return of NRC action to the region it will signal the beginning of what promises to be one of the most intriguing and competitive seasons in recent memory.

After an eight-year hiatus, Mbale is set to once again take center stage on Uganda’s motorsport calendar as it hosts the opening round of the Uganda National Rally Championship (NRC). The last time the eastern Uganda town witnessed NRC action was in 2018, when the event—organized by the Mosac Club—served as the championship decider. That dramatic season finale crowned Susan Muwonge as the 2018 NRC champion, etching Mbale’s name into the history books.

Fast forward to 2026, and Mbale is back. This time, the Motorsport Promotion Uganda (MPU) Club will oversee the opening round of the national championship, scheduled for March 27–28, shortly after the Ramadan period. As tradition dictates, the season opener is more than just the first rally on the calendar—it is the event that sets the tone, lays the strategic carpet, and offers early indications of which crews are truly in championship contention.

For many years, winning the opening round has almost been synonymous with winning the title. However, that long-standing trend was dramatically broken last season. Despite Ponsiano Lwakataka claiming victory in the opening round held in Mbarara, it was Ronald Ssebuguzi who ultimately emerged as the 2025 NRC champion, reminding the paddock that consistency, not just early dominance, wins championships.

As the countdown to Mbale begins, all signs point to a fiercely competitive 2026 season. The championship is already buzzing with activity, with several crews still shopping for their “weapons of choice,” others finalizing deals, and some eagerly awaiting the arrival of newly acquired machinery. Upgrades across classes are also on the cards, as teams reshuffle in pursuit of outright pace and championship advantage.

The Mbale opener is therefore expected to debut a number of new cars and fresh driver–machine combinations. After several months of rally drought, drivers and fans alike will be thirsty for action, dust, and adrenaline. When the engines fire up in Mbale, it won’t just mark the return of NRC action to the region—it will signal the beginning of what promises to be one of the most intriguing and competitive seasons in recent memory.

New Momentum as 2026 Rallying Season Approaches

While Uganda recently experienced a period of limited internet connectivity, the global rallying scene continued to move forward. Even during the digital blackout, our very own Southern Motor Club member remained attentive to developments within the sport, as teams abroad continued preparations and rally cars were being shipped across borders in readiness for the new season.

As the 2026 rallying season draws closer, activity within the motorsport fraternity is steadily increasing. Teams are already making strategic decisions, with several competitors retiring older machinery and investing in newer, more competitive cars. The off-season has become a period of serious preparation, signaling a highly competitive year ahead.

One development that has already drawn significant attention is the arrival of a Toyota Etios R2 owned by Dr Godfrey Nsereko, which landed in the country this week. This acquisition is expected to significantly influence the dynamics of the 2WD class, where competition has been steadily growing over recent seasons.

The Toyota Etios R2 is a former Guy Botterill car from South Africa and a proven performer, having won the South African National Championship four times consecutively. Its arrival introduces a new level of performance into the local 2WD category and suggests that the 2026 season will be far more competitive than before.

From a technical standpoint, the car is well equipped for top-level rallying. It features a five-speed sequential gearbox, a well-mapped MoTeC ECU, and brand-new Reiger shock absorbers. The vehicle runs on Avgas rather than standard pump fuel and is fully FIA-homologated, making it eligible to compete in both local events and the African Rally Championship.

The car also comes with an extensive spare parts package, ensuring reliability and consistency across multiple events. This level of preparation reflects a clear intention to compete at the highest possible level throughout the season.

Dr Nsereko’s motorsport journey further highlights the significance of this upgrade. He began his rally career in 2017 as a co-driver before transitioning to the driver’s seat in 2018, where he went on to win the CRC championship in his debut season as a driver. Over the years, he has driven several cars, including a Toyota Runx and a modified Subaru GC8 converted to 2WD, before returning to the Runx ahead of this latest step forward.

With the Toyota Etios R2 now in the country, expectations are high that the 2WD class will be one of the most competitive categories in the 2026 season. Dr Nsereko is widely anticipated to be among the leading contenders.

Focus now shifts to the opening round of the National Rally Championship, scheduled to take place in March in Mbale, shortly after Ramadan. As is often the case, the first event of the season will play a key role in setting the pace and strategy for the year ahead, with crews eager to begin the campaign strongly after an extended off-season.

The arrival of new machinery and renewed preparation across teams signals an exciting and competitive 2026 rallying season for Uganda.