The 2025 Nationwide Rally Championship (NRC) season kicked off in thrilling trend as Ponsiano Lwakataka clinched victory on the Lumala @60 Mama@90 birthday rally in Mbarara, western Uganda.
Celebrating the legendary driver Moses Lumala’s exceptional contributions to the game, the occasion supplied an thrilling begin to the brand new season, and Lwakataka’s win highlighted his enduring aggressive spirit.
Day One: A Curler Coaster Begin
The rally commenced on Friday with a single stage and a brilliant particular stage, setting the tone for an intense weekend of racing.
Lwakataka, alongside along with his co-driver Paul Musaazi within the Subaru Impreza, completed day one in second place. Main the pack after the primary day was Yasin Nasser, who returned to the NRC after a break since 2023.
Yassin Nasser.
Nasser took an early lead, sweeping the primary stage with a blistering time of seven minutes and 27 seconds, placing the Moil rally crew firmly in management.
Nevertheless, the thrill took an surprising flip in the course of the tremendous particular stage, the place Nasser and fellow competitor Ronald Ssebuguzi battled it out for supremacy in entrance of keen followers.
Regardless of the fierce competitors, Nasser remained within the lead by the top of the day, with Lwakataka in second and Ssebuguzi in third. “The sensation is sweet for us. We’ve missed racing right here, and we’re excited to be again,” mentioned Nasser after his efficiency, displaying optimism for the subsequent day’s phases.
L-R: Yassin Nasser (In Moil Branded Automobile), Ronald Ssebuguzi (Shell branded in Purple.) |Picture – John Batanudde
Day Two: Lwakataka Takes Management
Saturday’s motion started with 5 extra phases, and the rally rapidly noticed important adjustments on the leaderboard. Nasser continued his spectacular tempo, dominating the primary stage of the day.
Nevertheless, catastrophe struck within the second stage when Nasser’s automobile suffered energy steering points, inflicting him to lose over a minute.
In consequence, he dropped from first to sixth place, a devastating blow for the Moil rally crew. “It’s laborious to drive that automobile with the steering concern,” Nasser admitted after the stage, I virtually gave up. However fortunately, I made it to the service, and we’ll see what we will do from right here.”
This misfortune opened the door for Lwakataka to grab the lead. The seasoned driver capitalized on the chance, shifting forward with a 48-second benefit over second-place Ssebuguzi.
Lwakataka’s triumph was not with out its challenges, although. Reflecting on the occasion, he mentioned, “The occasion was not so clean. It began with some points yesterday, however God was on my aspect to succeed in this victory. I managed to kind the problems, and all the things was clean thereafter. This victory proves that I’m nonetheless a competitor on this sport.”
Lwakataka’s efficiency all through the rally was a testomony to his talent and resilience, making certain that he ended the day on the high of the standings.
A Sturdy End: The Podium Outcomes
Because the rally neared its conclusion, Lwakataka maintained his grip on the lead, ending the occasion in first place.
Ronald Ssebuguzi, who had additionally confronted some challenges in the course of the rally, secured second place along with his co-driver Anthony Mugambwa within the Ford Fiesta Proto.
Nasser Mutebi and Steven Bunya within the Mitsubishi Evo 9 accomplished the rostrum in third.
Regardless of their earlier setbacks, Nasser and his co-driver Ali Katumba managed to recuperate within the energy stage, incomes most factors from that section and ending in fourth total.
It was a stable end result for the Moil rally crew, given the challenges they confronted.
Different Notable Performances
Within the Clubman Rally Championship, Walter Kibande took the victory, with Sentongo Kiggundu Nkima and Topher Katera ending in second and third, respectively.
Within the two-wheel class, Edward Kirumira emerged victorious, adopted by Amir Kavuma and Julius Ssemambo.
Nevertheless, the occasion was not with out casualties. A number of crews confronted unlucky exits, together with Peter Kalule, who rolled out in the course of the energy stage.
Moustapha Mukasa, Duncan Mubiru, and Abdul Katete additionally encountered numerous points, additional highlighting the unpredictable nature of rally racing.
Trying Forward
With the primary spherical of the 2025 NRC season now full, all eyes are on the subsequent problem in April, when the rallying group will collect in Masaka for the second spherical of the sequence.
Lwakataka’s win has set the stage for an thrilling season forward, and his victory proves that he’s nonetheless a formidable drive in Ugandan motorsport.
Because the Lumala @60 Mama @90 birthday rally drew to an in depth, Moses Lumala, alongside Mbarara Member of Parliament Mwesigwa Rukari, flagged off the occasion in what was a real celebration of rallying in Uganda.
The occasion’s success, each when it comes to competitors and celebration, indicators a promising begin to the 2025 NRC season.
For Lwakataka, this victory is greater than only a win—it’s an announcement that he’s nonetheless very a lot a contender, and the season forward is bound to be stuffed with thrilling battles and unforgettable moments.
