The countdown to the 2026 rally season is entering its final phase, and preparations across the country reflect the significance of what lies ahead. With only days remaining before the opening round in Mbale, teams are finalizing builds, refining setups, and positioning themselves for a championship that is already gathering notable momentum. What initially appeared to be a standard off-season transition has evolved into a statement of intent from several key competitors.

The Uganda National Rally Championship (NRC) has received an early boost with the arrival of new machinery. Musa Ssegaabwe has officially taken delivery of his much-anticipated Škoda Fabia N5 from Spain. The car’s arrival follows weeks of speculation and keen interest within the rally fraternity. Its touchdown confirms that preparations for the 2026 campaign have reached an advanced stage and that leading crews are investing heavily in performance and competitiveness.

Constructed by RMC Motorsport in Spain, the Škoda Fabia N5 represents a sophisticated engineering package. The car combines a Peugeot-sourced engine with a Subaru drivetrain, forming a unique technical configuration. It is understood to be the first example of its kind to compete on the African continent, positioning Ssegaabwe at the forefront of innovation within the regional scene. The acquisition process included a visit to Spain in December 2025 to inspect and finalize the purchase. After approximately six weeks of shipping and logistics, the vehicle has now arrived and will undergo final preparation before its competitive debut.

On the same day, further developments added to the growing anticipation. A Mitsubishi Evo 9 for young driver Kevin Bebeto also arrived in the country, reinforcing the sense that the 2026 season will feature a strengthened and more competitive field. The simultaneous arrival of two serious contenders highlights the level of commitment teams are demonstrating ahead of Round One.

Attention now turns to Mbale, where the opening round is scheduled for March 27th–28th. The rally will provide the first true test of both new and returning machinery under Uganda’s demanding conditions. Performance, reliability, and strategy will all play decisive roles as crews seek an early championship advantage.

Additionally, Walter Kibande is expected to unveil a Subaru Impreza N14, further expanding the competitive landscape. With multiple new builds entering the championship, the 2026 NRC season is shaping up to deliver a deep and closely contested field.