The stage is set, the engines are revving, and the anticipation is electric as the Uganda Motor Club (UMC) officially launched the 2025 Fort Portal Tourism City Rally, a highlight of the Uganda National Rally Championship (NRC).
Scheduled for August 22nd to 24th, this exhilarating event promises to deliver high-octane action, breathtaking maneuvers, and a fierce battle for supremacy amidst the stunning landscapes of Fort Portal and Kabarole.
As the fifth round of the 2025 National Rally Championship (NRC), this rally is poised to be a pivotal moment in the championship, with drivers vying for crucial points in a tightly contested season.
The official launch of the Uganda Motor Club (UMC) Fort Portal Tourism City Rally took place at the Silverton Gardens in Mengo Bulange, marking the beginning of a countdown to what promises to be an unforgettable weekend.
Organized by the Uganda Motor Club, the event is set to cover a staggering 201.59 kilometers, with 130.48 kilometers of competitive racing across challenging stages and 74.23 kilometers of liaison stages.
The launch event buzzed with enthusiasm, as rally teams, sponsors, and fans gathered to celebrate the return of one of Uganda’s most iconic motorsport events.
Fort Portal, often referred to as the “Tourism City” for its proximity to attractions like the Amabeere ga Nyina Mwiru caves and the Rwenzori Mountains, provides a picturesque yet demanding backdrop for the rally.
The event not only showcases the skill and daring of Uganda’s top rally drivers but also highlights the region’s natural beauty, drawing thousands of spectators from across the country and beyond.
As the 2025 National Rally Championship (NRC) season approaches its climax, the Fort Portal Rally is set to play a critical role in shaping the championship standings.
With only two rounds remaining after this event, every stage will be a test of resilience, strategy, and raw talent.
The leaderboard is tightly packed, with Jas Mangat and Enoch Olinga currently leading the charge, closely followed by Dr. Moustapha Mukasa and Ronald Sebuguzi.
The fierce competition promises edge-of-the-seat action as drivers push their limits on Fort Portal’s rugged terrain.
Adding to the excitement is the return of rally legend Adam Rauf Essa, known as the “Nsolo Nkambwe,” who will make a dramatic comeback after a six-year hiatus.
Piloting his iconic Mitsubishi Evo X, Rauf’s return is a major talking point, with fans eagerly awaiting his performance on the challenging Kyenjojo and Fort Portal routes.
His presence is sure to shake up the competition and add an extra layer of intrigue to an already intense championship battle.
The Uganda Motor Club (UMC) Fort Portal Tourism City Rally is renowned for its diverse and demanding stages, which test drivers’ skills to the fullest.
The 2025 edition kicks off with the grueling Harugongo stage, a 36.31-kilometer beast that will challenge competitors with its rocky terrain.
The Kyakaigo superspecial stage, a fan favorite, will follow, offering a short but intense spectacle just outside Fort Portal City.
This year’s rally also reintroduces the thrilling night stage, a 5.52-kilometer test of precision and courage under the stars, marking its return since the 2016 SMC Masaka Rally.
Day two promises even more action, with stages like the Mukwano Karmali (15.21 km), Late Sewava Kivumbi (16.13 km), Hajji Abas Balinda (12.82 km), and the climactic Outlook Uganda Power Stage (5.52 km).
These stages, set against Fort Portal’s scenic landscapes, will push drivers to their limits while offering fans a visual feast of high-speed drifts and daring overtakes.
The 2025 rally will see top teams and drivers battling for glory, with sponsorships playing a crucial role in their campaigns.
The Drugs Express Rally Team, driven by Dr. Moustapha Mukasa and co-driver Mwambazi Lawrence, is backed by Equity Bank and is coming off a strong third-place finish in 2024.
The team’s visit to Equity Bank’s head office in Kampala underscored the synergy between the team and their sponsor, with Managing Director Anthony Kituuka expressing confidence in their ability to compete for the top spot.
Meanwhile, Ronald Sebuguzi, sponsored by Centenary Bank, will look to build on his 2024 Fort Portal victory, where he overcame a brake failure to claim a dramatic win. His resilience and strategic brilliance make him a formidable contender.
The Clubman Rally Championship and Two-Wheel Drive categories will also see fierce competition, with drivers like Musa Ssegabwe and Ibrahim ‘Pasuwa’ Lubega aiming to dominate their respective classes.
The Uganda Motor Club (UMC) Fort Portal Tourism City Rally is more than a motorsport event, it is a celebration of Fort Portal’s cultural and natural heritage.
The rally attracts thousands of spectators, boosting local tourism and showcasing the region’s potential as a hub for adventure and exploration.
With stages weaving through iconic locations like Amabeere ga Nyina Mwiru and Buteebe, the event offers a unique blend of adrenaline and scenic beauty.
The rally also highlights the passion and dedication of Uganda’s motorsport community. Writers and co-drivers like Mwambazi Lawrence, who not only compete but also chronicle the sport’s stories, bring the excitement of rallying to life for fans. Their immersive narratives capture the heart-pounding action and the camaraderie that define the sport.
As the countdown to August 22nd continues, Fort Portal is gearing up for a weekend of heart-stopping action and unforgettable moments.
Whether it’s the roar of engines at the Kyakaigo Arena, the strategic brilliance of drivers navigating the night stage, or the dramatic return of Adam Rauf Essa, the 2025 Uganda Motor Club (UMC) Fort Portal Tourism City Rally promises to be a defining chapter in Uganda’s motorsport legacy.
Fans can expect breathtaking performances, unexpected twists, and a fierce battle for the National Rally Championship (NRC) crown.
Mark your calendars, rally enthusiasts as this is one event you won’t want to miss. Get ready for a weekend of speed, skill, and sheer excitement in the Tourism City of Fort Portal!
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