The opening two rounds of the 2026 KCB National Rally Championship are now done and dusted, and if the first half of the season is anything to go by, Ugandan rally fans are in for one unforgettable championship battle. Round two delivered drama, heartbreak, fierce competition, and moments that will remain in the memories of many crews and fans alike. But as the dust settles, the championship caravan now heads for what many competitors have always described as one of the most enjoyable and budget-friendly events on the calendar  the much-anticipated SMC Challenge Rally.

It is once again that exciting time of the year when the rally fraternity descends on the vibrant Greater Masaka region for the third round of the KCB NRC, scheduled to take place from 19th to 20th June 2026. Over the years, the SMC Challenge Rally has built a reputation for delivering smooth and flowing roads, manageable logistics for crews, and unforgettable nightlife and fan experiences in Masaka City. From the competitive stages to the electrifying atmosphere around service parks and hangout spots, Masaka has consistently proven why it remains one of the favorite destinations for rally enthusiasts across the country.

This year’s edition will cover a total distance of 303.88 kilometres, of which 126.71 kilometres will be competitive sections while 177.17 kilometres will be liaison stages. Day one of the rally, scheduled for Friday 19th June, will take crews through stages around Masaka proceeding to Nabugabo Sand Beach, where one stage will be repeated before fans are treated to the always-thrilling Super Special Stage later in the afternoon. The beachside atmosphere, roaring engines, clouds of dust, music, and massive crowds are expected to once again create an unforgettable rally spectacle.

On Saturday 20th June, crews will head to Sembabule sections for day two action, where endurance, speed, and consistency are expected to play a major role in determining who stands tallest at the finish line.

As the championship heads into round three, all eyes remain firmly fixed on championship leaders Hassin Alwi Jr and co-driver Musa Nsubuga, who currently command the standings with an impressive 118 points following dominant performances in the opening two rounds. Their consistency and pace have made them the early team to beat this season.

Not too far behind are Umar Dauda and Steven Bunya on 82.5 points, keeping their championship hopes alive as they continue to pile pressure on the leaders. The experienced Duncan Mubiru, despite suffering a disappointing start to the season in Mbale, sits third overall with 79 points and remains a dangerous contender capable of bouncing back strongly in Masaka.

Tanzania’s Randeep Singh occupies fourth position with 77 points after a superb outing during the Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally in Mbarara, where he emerged victorious in the NRC category and announced himself as a serious championship challenger.

Completing the top five is former national champion Yasin Nasser on 73 points. Although he has yet to fully stamp his authority on the season, few would rule out the experienced driver from mounting a comeback as the championship progresses.

With only two rounds completed and six more still remaining on the calendar, the 2026 KCB National Rally Championship remains very much wide open. Every point now matters, every stage becomes crucial, and every mistake could prove costly in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive rally seasons in recent years. After the Masaka showdown, the championship battle will then shift eastwards to Soroti for round four, where another chapter of high-speed drama awaits Uganda’s rallying faithful.

The stage is set for what is shaping up to be the most historic edition of the Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, with a record-breaking entry list signaling a new era for Ugandan motorsport. By the close of entries, a staggering 65 crews had confirmed participation, making it the biggest entry since the rally’s inception. Of these, 20 crews will battle for continental honors in the African Rally Championship (ARC) category, while the rest will fight it out in the highly competitive national class.

Scheduled to run from May 7th to 10th across Mbarara and Kiruhura Districts, this year’s event has attracted a formidable lineup of regional talent. From Kenya, notable entries include Karan Patel, Samman Vohra, and former national champion Jasmeet Chana, all eager to challenge for top honors on Ugandan soil.

Tanzania will also be strongly represented, headlined by reigning national champion Ahmed Huwel, who is set to debut his recently acquired Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. The Birdi brothers, Randeep Singh Birdi and Manvir Birdi, have also entered, competing in the national category with a Ford Fiesta Proto and a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX respectively.

From Rwanda, Christian Kanangire returns to action in a Subaru Impreza N12, aiming to carry forward his impressive form from the Safari Rally. He will be joined by fellow Rwandan competitor Queen Kalimpinya, adding further depth to the regional contest.

On the home front, Uganda’s charge in the ARC category will be led by reigning African champion Yasin Nasser, navigated by long-time co-driver Ali Katumba. The crew will once again field their trusted Ford Fiesta R5 as they aim to defend both national pride and their continental crown. They will be joined by a strong Ugandan contingent including Mike Mukula Jr, Aine Sodo Kaguta,  young star Kevin Bebeto, Stefano Valeri, and Godfrey Nsereko, who is set to debut his Toyota Etios in the ARC class.

Meanwhile, the national category promises fireworks of its own, with Uganda’s finest rally stars all confirmed. Fan favorites such as Duncan Mubiru, Hassan Alwi Jr, Ronald Ssebuguzi, Ponsiano Lwakataka, Moses Lumala, and returning driver Jonas Kansime are all set to light up the stages, ensuring intense competition across the board.

The rally will cover a total distance of 569.16 kilometers, with 201.85 kilometers designated as competitive stages and 367.31 kilometers as liaison sections. With its record entry, diverse international presence, and a blend of seasoned champions and rising stars, the 2026 edition of the Pearl of Africa Rally is not just another round of the championship it is a defining moment for rallying in the region.

Uganda is once again set to host one of the continent’s most prestigious motorsport events as it welcomes Round 2 of the African Rally Championship which also doubles as the second round of the KCB National Rally Championship The Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally is scheduled to take place from 7th to 9th May, with crews taking on the stages iMbarara and Kiruhura districts.

This year’s edition promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Crews from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda are already confirmed, with more expected as entries close. Rally fans are in for a treat, as the event brings together a mix of seasoned champions, rising talents, and inspiring stories.

The Kenyan contingent is particularly strong. Karan Patel, last year’s winner, will return in his Skoda Fabia R5, co-driven by Tauseef Khan, aiming to defend their title. Samman Vohra and Drew Sturrock are back to redeem themselves after a dramatic retirement on the final day of the previous edition. Meanwhile, Jasmeet Chana and co-driver Ravi Chana will make their first Uganda outing in a Ford Fiesta R5 under the ARC class.

Handicapped driver Sachania, who impressed fans last year with his determination and speed, will return in a Ford Fiesta, looking to improve on his previous performance. Other Kenyan entrants include Evans Kavisi and Absolom Aswani in ARC2, and Arkif Virani, who brings momentum from the recently concluded WRC Safari Rally. Debutants Joseph Gachecheh and Finnish co-driver Sofia Rantasalo will finally compete in Uganda in a Skoda Fabia R5, after missing the recent WRC Safari Rally due to logistical delays. Adding a unique story is the mother-daughter duo Tinashe Gatimu and Caroline Gatimu, set to compete and inspire rally fans.

Tanzania will be represented by reigning national champion Ahmed Huwel, driving a Toyota GR Yaris, aiming to kickstart his ARC campaign in Uganda on a strong note. His precision and experience make him a serious contender for the overall podium.

Rwanda is sending six crews, led by Queen Kalimpinya, the reigning Rwandan champion, in a Subaru Impreza GVB co-driven by Olivier Ngabo. Other top Rwandan crews include Christian Kanangire and Kevin Mujiji in a Subaru N12b, who impressed at the WRC Safari Rally, Eric Gakwaya and Kayibanda Aurore in a Subaru Impreza GVB, and Yoto Fabrice in a Subaru Impreza N11. With such a strong lineup, the Ugandan crews will face stiff competition on every stage.

The 2026 rally routes are largely similar to last year’s, with a few new sections introduced to challenge the crews further. The total rally distance is 569.16 km, with 201.85 km dedicated to competitive stages divided into 12 stages, and 367.31 km of liaison sections connecting them. Crews will face a mix of gravel, dirt, and tarmac, as well as elevation changes, sharp corners, and unpredictable weather.

The event kicks off on Thursday with a free practice stage followed by a qualifying stage that will determine starting positions. Day 2 features two long stages and a superspecial stage designed to test speed and consistency. Day 3 comprises eight long stages, including the rally’s longest stage, Kaguta, at 23.46 km, demanding endurance and concentration. The Robert Rukaari stage, the shortest at 6.19 km, will serve as the power stage, offering extra points for the fastest crews.

With a continental field of experienced champions, ambitious debutants, and local heroes, the 2026 Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally promises intense competition and thrilling battles across every stage. Fans can expect high-speed action, dramatic moments, and stories of resilience as drivers push their machines to the limit.

The stage is set, the engines are warming, and rally fans across Africa can look forward to an unforgettable motorsport spectacle from 7th to 9th May 2026 in Mbarara and Kiruhura.