NRC 5: All eyes on Bam Petroleum Challenge Rally Masaka

The Uganda National Rally Championship title chase heads to Masaka on August 11-13.

The Event dubbed “Bam Petroleum SMC Challenge Rally” will run as the fifth round of the NRC.

Unlike 2022, Masaka rally will this time run in the areas of Kyotera and Kalisizo covering a total competitive distance of 136.23 kms.

With over 10 stages to run, the Super special stage will be held at E-Villas Kalisizo, a famous double circuit track that has hosted a number of autocross events.

A number of drivers are expected to take on the challenge with Duncan Mubiru “Kikankane” as the defending champion as he won this round last year.

Despite not being a championship contender this year, home boy Ponsiano Lwakataka is targeting a win at home. 

Ponsiano last triumphed on his home soil in 2019 and he is expected to risk it all to break the drought this year.

However, it’s difficult to predict a winner for this round as a number of top tier drivers are expected to show up and each is targeting a win.

Yasin Nasser, who currently tops the championship standings is only looking for one win to be crowned champion and Masaka win could be his target.

The MOIL driver is expected to cruise a Subaru GVB in Masaka as the Ford Fiesta R5 is to be spared for the upcoming ARC round just a week after Masaka.

Ronald Ssebuguzi, in his Ford Fiesta Proto fancies his chances of winning in Masaka, an event he appeared on the podium last year.

The reigning champions, Byron Rugomoka and Hakim are expected to make a comeback in Masaka after their misfortune in the recently concluded EMC Jinja rally. 

The crew hasn’t registered a win yet this year and are expected to give it all for it in Masaka.

In the 2WD category, Ibrahim Lubega “Pasua” is only looking for one more podium finish to be crowned champion.

His major competitor Oscar Ntambi is now eyeing big league competition as he debuted his newly acquired Subaru N10 last weekend at the Garuga Sprint. He seems to be set to leave the 2WD category.

The CRC category is quite an interesting one to watch as the new young drivers in the category, Ali Muhammed alongside Anees Muhammed strengthened their contention for the title with a win in the recently concluded Garuga sprint.

Joshua Muwanguzi who provisionally tops the standings seems to be under pressure as we head to Masaka, both Kiyimba Godfrey and Ali Muhammed, are all targeting the title and they are all expected to give it all for a win in Masaka.

Party spoiler, Ali Omar is also expected to show up hence exerting more pressure on Joshua Muwanguzi.