By Mwambazi Lawrence-

Uganda is ready to shine on the international motorsport stage with four crews set to fly the national flag high in this year’s edition of the legendary Safari Rally Kenya, which kicks off tomorrow in Naivasha. The atmosphere at the Naivasha service park has been electric, with mechanics working tirelessly to put the final touches on the rally machines as crews prepare for one of the toughest events on the calendar.

Throughout the day, teams have been busy fine-tuning their cars while drivers and co-drivers wrapped up their official reconnaissance. The recce allowed the crews to carefully study the stages, note every corner, jump and hidden hazard, and familiarize themselves with the unpredictable Kenyan terrain that has made the Safari Rally famous across the world.

Leading Uganda’s charge are African Rally Champions Yasin Nasser and co-driver Ali Katumba, who will compete in their Ford Fiesta. The experienced pair will be aiming to put their continental pedigree to good use as they tackle the brutal Safari stages against some of the best drivers in the world.

Also in the Ugandan lineup is the ever-entertaining Duncan Mubiru, who will be navigated by Joseph Kamya in a Subaru Impreza GVB under the Betika colours. Mubiru, famously known as “Kikankane,” will be looking to bring both speed and spectacle as he takes on the unforgiving Kenyan roads.

Another exciting Ugandan crew features Oscar Ntambi alongside co-driver Asumman Mohammed in the KCB-sponsored Mitsubishi Evo X. For this pair, the 2026 Safari Rally will mark their very first attempt at the ultimate Safari together, making it a huge milestone in their rally careers.

Completing Team Uganda are Timothy Gawaya and co-driver Francis Wamala, who will be tackling the Safari Rally for the second time. This time they return better prepared and armed with experience as they campaign their Toyota Starlet on the demanding stages.

The rally action begins tomorrow morning with the shakedown stage, which will only be done by Rally1 and Rally2 cars. Later in the day, a ceremonial start will officially launch the event before crews head out for two competitive stages scheduled for the evening.

Besides being the third round of the World Rally Championship calendar, the event also marks the opening round of the African Rally Championship. Several African crews will therefore begin their ARC campaigns here as they chase valuable championship points in what promises to be a fiercely contested season.

For Uganda, the Safari Rally represents more than just competition. It is an opportunity to showcase the country’s growing rally talent on one of the world’s biggest motorsport platforms. As the engines roar to life and the dust rises over the Kenyan savannah, Team Uganda carries with it the pride, passion and dreams of a nation ready to prove that determination, courage and belief can take Ugandan motorsport to the very top of Africa and beyond.