Forty-four crews will set the ball rolling for the 2025 National Rally Championship season.
The opening round is scheduled for this weekend in Mbarara, Western Uganda.
Dubbed the Lumala @60, Mama @90 Birthday Rally, the event will rev off on Friday and end on Saturday.
The two-day event will create new battle lines in all categories.
The absence of the reigning champion Jas Mangat will have the season’s title expectants take the early advantage.
Making a return to the local rally scene will be Yasin Nasser. The two-time champion last featured in a national event in 2023. The Moil rally crew returns with a Ford Fiesta rally2.
Also expected to be on the start line is Duncan Mubiru. The Kikankane rally team driver was out of action through 2024. However, his participation remains a probability pending the arrival of his Ford Fiesta.
Seasonal driver Ronald Sebuguzi will be out to renew his quest for a fourth NRC title with a target on victory this weekend.
Ponsiano Lwakataka features on the entry and his participation is anticipated to set a rift for the victory battle.
2024 Clubman rally champion Musa Ssegaabwe is also in the fray. Following impressive drives in the Clubman category, there will be high expectations after joining the top-tier category for this season.
Moustapha Mukasa, Micheal Mukula, and Godfrey Aine Sodo will all be on the line to secure front spots in Mbarara.
The Clubman rally championship will set a new rivalry with new entrants including female driver Doreen Asiimwe, Kevin Bebeto, and Topher Katera among others.
The event will kick off with a stage on Friday morning before crews head for a double circuit at Mwesigwa Resort.
Five stages will be covered on Saturday to seal a total competitive distance of 140.64 kilometres.