By Mwambazi Lawrence –

The 2026 season has not yet dropped its first flag, but early developments are already shaping the narrative across Uganda’s rally service parks. Kevin Bebeto, the fast-rising driver from Simba Rally Team, has upgraded to a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX ahead of the new campaign. The move signals clear intent. After an impressive 2025 season in a Subaru Impreza N10, Bebeto is stepping into a more competitive phase of his career with machinery to match his growing ambitions.

Last season, Bebeto demonstrated maturity and pace in equal measure. Competing in the CRC class, he secured a third-place finish through consistent performances and disciplined driving. His promotion to Division 2 of the National Rally Championship (NRC) was a natural progression. With stronger competition awaiting, the decision to upgrade his car reflects a strategic response to the higher demands of the category.

The Evo 9 he has acquired carries notable regional history. The car was previously driven by Kenyan rally driver Alastair Cavanagh before moving to Tanzanian champion Dharam Pandya. With proven performance on East African terrain, the vehicle arrives in Kampala as a well-established competitor, now set to represent Simba Rally Team in the 2026 NRC season.

This acquisition strengthens the Simba Rally Team lineup. The team now fields two Evo 9 machines, the second belonging to Kuku Ranjit and previously owned by Tanzanian driver Gerald Miller. Operating two identical platforms provides strategic advantages in data analysis, setup development, and technical collaboration key elements in a competitive championship environment.

Bebeto’s progression underscores steady growth. He began rallying in 2023 in a Toyota Runx, building foundational experience before transitioning to the Subaru Impreza N10 in 2025, where he quickly established himself as a serious contender. The move to the Evo 9 represents the next step in his development, placing him in machinery capable of competing consistently at Division 2 level.

Attention now shifts to the season opener, the MPU Mbale City Rally, scheduled for 27th–28th March 2026. The rally’s demanding terrain will provide an immediate test for both driver and car. Division 2 is expected to be highly competitive, with several new entries strengthening the field.

Bebeto’s switch to the Evo 9 is more than a routine upgrade. It marks a calculated move toward sustained competitiveness in the NRC. As the 2026 season approaches, Simba Rally Team positions itself as a serious contender, backed by proven machinery and a driver entering a decisive phase of his rally career.