Guest Writer
The engines are warming, the gravel is trembling, and Uganda is ready to roar. This weekend, the eastern town of Mbale becomes the epicenter of a rally revolution, as the 2026 National Rally Championship kicks off under the ambitious backing of KCB Bank Uganda. It is more than a race it is a statement that Ugandan motorsport is aiming for the international fast lane.
KCB Bank has committed UGX 940 million to the season, a record injection that underscores its intent to raise the sport to global standards. UGX 380 million goes straight to drivers, while UGX 560 million funds the championship, ensuring every twist and turn of the season is powered by serious investment and professional ambition. The sponsorship also sets the tone for a Motorsport season set to deliver both elite competition and enhanced presentation to fans across the country and beyond.
The KCB Mbale Rally, spanning Mbale and Budaka districts over two action packed days, promises a spectacle of speed, skill, and endurance. From technical hairpins to high speed straights, the opening round is designed to challenge even the most seasoned crews and thrill the crowds lining the course, as the 2026 National Rally Championship officially gets underway in the Eastern region this weekend.
Leading KCB’s driver lineup are Mike Mukula Junior, Nasser Mutebi, and Oscar Ntambi, fresh from a Category 2 triumph at the WRC Safari Rally in Kenya. Ntambi’s international pedigree, combined with the determination of his teammates, reflects a united push for the NRC title, with all three drivers signaling their intent to fight hard for top honors this season.
With 34 crews already confirmed for the first round, the championship is set to deliver high stakes drama and adrenaline fueled action. Frank Kaheesi, Head of Communications at the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda, underscored the significance of the investment, stating, “This level of corporate backing is exactly what Ugandan motorsport needs to grow its competitiveness and visibility, not only locally but across the region, and it gives our drivers a stronger platform to pursue national and international success.” The engines are primed, the fans are ready, and a new chapter in Ugandan motorsport is about to explode into life.
