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:
- Hassan Alwi Jr – 118 points
- Umar Dauda – 82.5 points
- Duncan Mubiru – 79 points
- Randeep Singh – 77 points
- 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.