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.
