By Mwambazi Lawrence –

The National Council of Sports (NCS), in partnership with the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU), this morning officially flagged off the Moil Rally Team of Yasin Nasser and his co-driver Ali Katumba as they departed for Tanzania to contest in the fifth and final round of the 2025 African Rally Championship (ARC), scheduled for September 19th–21st in Morogoro.

The  ceremony at Lugogo was presided over by Mr. Milton Chebet, NCS Assistant General Secretary (Technical), alongside Mr. Ivan Niwamanya, FMU’s Liaison Officer to NCS. FMU confirmed its full support towards Team Moil’s title charge, providing air tickets, accommodation for the crew, and transport logistics for their Ford Fiesta Rally2 from Kampala to Morogoro. The federation has also facilitated a delegation leader to monitor the team’s progress and offer technical assistance during the weekend. A cheque for the support was officially handed over by FMU General Secretary, Mr. Ray Kibira.

For Nasser and Katumba, the stakes could not be higher. The Moil Rally Team heads into Tanzania with an eight-point lead in the ARC standings. A second-place finish in Morogoro would be enough to secure Uganda’s first continental crown in 26 years since the legendary duo of the late Charles Muhangi and Steven Byaruhanga clinched the title in 1999 in the iconic Subaru Impreza “Ekitaguriro.”

“This is not just about Team Moil; it is about Uganda’s motorsport heritage and the chance to reclaim continental glory,” said Chebet during the ceremony.

But the final showdown is far from straightforward. Ten ARC-registered crews are confirmed for the finale, promising a “do-or-die” battle. Kenya’s rising star, Saman Vohra, co-driven by Drew Sturrock, remains in hot pursuit and needs maximum points to keep his title hopes alive. The 2024 ARC champions, Karan Patel and Tauseef Khan, return after missing the previous round in Burundi. While out of title contention, the pair will be eager to stamp their authority. Local favorite Ahmed Huwel will debut East Africa’s first Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, hoping to thrill on home soil, while Kenya’s Arkif Virani enters with a Skoda Fabia R5, another formidable contender.

Meanwhile, Uganda’s rally fans have not been left behind. A convoy of supporters departed yesterday, already crossing into Tanzania en route to Dar es Salaam before connecting to Morogoro. The Moil Rally Team’s mechanical crew is also on the ground in Morogoro, awaiting the arrival of Nasser and Katumba, who will touch down tomorrow. As Uganda rallies behind Nasser and Katumba, this weekend is about more than just a race it is about history, pride, and the unrelenting spirit of a nation that has waited 26 years for this moment. Every rev of the engine in Morogoro will carry the hopes of millions back home, and should the Moil Rally Team conquer the challenge, their triumph will not only crown new champions but also reignite the flame of Ugandan motorsport for generations to come.