When the KCB National Rally Championship heads to Soroti and Katakwi on 24–25 July, the spotlight will naturally fall on the battle against the clock. Fords, Subarus, Mitsubishis and Skoda will thunder across the Eastern Uganda stages as crews chase valuable championship points but this year’s fourth round has another story worth telling, one that begins long before the first competitive stage.
In a sport where competitors usually focus on preparing their own machines and finding budgets to keep their seasons alive, a remarkable group of drivers has chosen to invest in something bigger than themselves. They have stepped forward not only as competitors but also as sponsors of the very event they will contest. That kind of commitment is rare in motorsport, instead of simply arriving to race, these drivers have joined hands with Eastern Motor Club to help ensure the Soroti and Katakwi event is successfully organized, proving that growing the sport sometimes starts away from the steering wheel.
Leading that list is Hassan Alwi Jr, whose Ford Fiesta remains one of the fastest machines in the championship. Through the International University of East Africa and Across the Nile Resort, support has once again been extended towards motorsport, continuing a relationship that has benefited the sport on several occasions. It reflects a belief that rallying deserves sustained backing beyond race weekends.
Then there is Musa Ssegaabwe of Segamu 14 Consults, who will arrive with his exciting new Skoda Fabia. Known as much for his generosity as his speed, Ssegaabwe has built a reputation for supporting fellow competitors and rally activities whenever possible. Fans have always appreciated his passion for the sport, and this latest gesture only strengthens that bond.
Another familiar name is Joshua Muwanguzi, whose distinctive purple Subaru N12 is one of the most recognizable cars in the service park. Alongside Steadfast Forwarders Limited, Muwanguzi continues to demonstrate that business and motorsport can work hand in hand to strengthen local rallying.
For Didas Matsiko President of URDA through Komodo Sports Wear supporting motorsport has never been limited to driving. Across Uganda’s rally fraternity, countless teams proudly wear apparel supplied through his work, making him one of the silent contributors behind the scenes. This time, beyond preparing his Subaru Impreza GVB, Matsiko has added another layer of support by backing the event itself, a contribution that extends far beyond competition.
Home support is equally evident through Hajji Sadat Negomba, a proud member of Eastern Motor Club. His commitment to his club is reflected both on and off the stages. While he prepares to battle fiercely in the competitive 2WD category aboard his FX, he has also invested in ensuring his home event succeeds. His determination to challenge for victory makes him one to watch.
The list also includes Stefano Valeri of Rolfo, who combines his sponsorship support with an equally determined campaign in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X. His contribution reinforces the growing belief that competitors themselves can become important partners in building stronger rally events.
What makes this story different is not the size of the sponsorships but the message behind them, motorsport has always depended on teamwork. Mechanics, marshals, organizers, sponsors, officials and fans all play their part. Seeing drivers willingly become part of that support system while still financing their own championship campaigns sends a powerful signal about the direction Ugandan rallying can take. Different teams, machines and ambitions yet united by one vision, to see the sport continue growing, the efforts by Eastern Motor Club, under the leadership of president Mr. KK, have clearly inspired confidence among competitors, creating an environment where drivers feel they are investing in something that belongs to everyone.
As the engines roar to life in Soroti and Katakwi, championship points will be won and lost. Some crews will celebrate, while others will leave searching for better fortunes in the next round but regardless of who stands on the podium, one victory has already been secured.
It is a victory for unity because when competitors choose to become partners in building the very events they race in, the entire sport moves forward.
In the end, that’s what rallying is all about, not just winning stages, but ensuring the next generation has even bigger stages to compete on.
