The story of KCB Bank driver Oscar Ntambi at the 2026 edition of the legendary Safari Rally Kenya is not just about a podium finish. It is about resilience, belief, and the rise of a driver whose journey from local rally stages in Uganda to the global spotlight of the FIA Africa Rally Championship now feels inevitable.
While much of the rally world is celebrating Ntambi for winning his class on debut, for us back home, this moment carries a deeper meaning, this was not simply a win, it was a statement.
In one of the toughest rallies on the planet, Ntambi did something extraordinary, he completed every stage without relying on a Super Rally restart. On terrain that breaks cars, crushes dreams, and humbles even the most experienced drivers, he drove through the entire event with determination and precision. That achievement alone speaks volumes about the driver he has become.
Before the international recognition, Ntambi’s story began in the demanding rally environment of Uganda’s National Rally championship, his early days were shaped in the 2WD category a proving ground where raw talent meets unforgiving terrain.
From there, Ntambi steadily built his reputation, fans watched him evolve through different machines from the Toyota Altezza, to the powerful Subaru rally cars, and eventually into the Mitsubishi Evo X Ralliart. Each step sharpened his craft and strengthened the belief that Uganda had a special talent on its hands.
Back home, many rally fans know him by a name that reflects his driving style: “The King of 360.” A driver capable of controlling the car on the edge, rotating through corners with confidence and flair. But beyond the spectacle lies a disciplined competitor who understands rallying at its core.
No rally driver succeeds alone. Ntambi’s remarkable performance in Kenya was guided by his trusted navigator, Asuman Muhammad.
The Oscar–Asuman partnership has become one of the most respected duos in Ugandan rallying. Their chemistry inside the car is evident in the precision of their performance. Pace notes, trust, and communication all came together perfectly across the brutal stages of Safari Rally.
In rallying, confidence between driver and co-driver can define success. This weekend proved that this partnership is one that the rally world should never underestimate.
Safari Rally is notorious, cars break, drivers crash out, even world champions struggle to survive its rough and unpredictable weather terrain.
Yet among all the challenges, one Ugandan driver stood strong.
Standing proudly on the podium of a World Rally Championship event podium for the first time is a moment that resonates far beyond the rally stages. For Ugandan motorsport, it is a powerful reminder that talent from our region can compete and succeed on the global stage.
For the Forest Rally Team, this result represents years of commitment, belief, and hard work paying off in spectacular fashion.
If Safari Rally was an introduction to the wider rally world, then it was the perfect one. Oscar proved he has the speed, the endurance, and the composure required at the highest level. More importantly, he showed the heart of a champion, the ability to push through every stage of one of the most brutal rallies on earth.
Back home, rally fans already know what he is capable of as the African Rally Championship and Uganda’s National Rally Championship seasons continue, one thing is clear, Oscar Ntambi is not just a competitor anymore. He is a driver to watch.
And for Uganda, this moment is more than a celebration.
It is the beginning of a bigger story.
Congratulations, Oscar Ntambi and Asuman Muhammad Thank you for making Uganda proud.
