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.
