By Mwambazi Lawrence

The 2025 National Rally Championship has already delivered five rounds of pure action, and yet, the title fight is far from decided. Ponsiano Lwakataka, who has stormed to four wins in five rallies, finds himself trailing Ronald Sebuguzi the man whose mantra this season seems to be “consistency over glory.”

Lwakataka kicked off the season with emphatic wins in Mbarara and Masaka, only to suffer heartbreak at the Pearl of Africa Rally when his engine gave out early. Undeterred, he returned with authority, taking Bugerere Stabex EMC Rally and finally conquering Fort Portal, a rally that had previously eluded him. Now, just six points shy of the championship lead, Lwakataka is poised for a thrilling finish in Gulu and Hoima.

Sebuguzi has quietly but steadily made his mark. Last year’s runner-up has finished all five rounds so far: two 2nd-place finishes to open the season, a slip to 7th at Pearl of Africa, followed by 3rd in Bugerere, and another 2nd in Fort Portal. His consistent performances have earned him

Rookie sensation Musa Ssegaabwe, promoted this season from the CRC class, has made waves in the NRC, including a podium at the Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Rally. Currently third, Ssegaabwe trails Sebuguzi by just 33.5 points, keeping him firmly in the championship mix and proving that fresh talent can shake up the hierarchy. Other notable performances include Aine Sodo in 4th, Duncan Mubiru struggling after a DNF at Fort Portal, and Michael Mukula climbing back after early setbacks to occupy 6th.

The 2WD championship is nothing short of nail-biting. Mansoor Lubega leads by a single point over Julius Semambo. Lubega, piloting a Toyota Corolla with Bukenya Kesh, recovered from a Kayunga setback to win Fort Portal. Semambo, ever-improving with his Toyota Sprinter, is not giving an inch. Hajji Amir Kavuma remains steady, while Edward Kirumira and last year’s champion Ibrahim Lubega battle challenges that leave them chasing from behind.

Walter Kibande has dominated the CRC category, winning three of five events in his aging Subaru GC8 with Duncan Katumba. Ahmed Kateete remains hot on his heels, narrowly ahead of rising star Kevin Bebeto. Though setbacks have slowed Bebeto, his determination keeps the CRC race alive. Meanwhile, Robert Sentongo (Nkima) and Odeon Tumwebaze fight to regain momentum after multiple challenges this season.

With just two rounds left, every championship NRC, 2WD, and CRC is up for grabs. Gulu promises high-octane action, while Hoima will be the stage where champions are crowned. Before that, the rally community is rallying behind Samuel Watendwa at a Festino City fundraising sprint, helping him secure a more competitive ride.

One thing is certain: the 2025 NRC has delivered drama, speed, and suspense at every turn. The finish line may be near, but the battles on and off the stages are far from over. Rally fans, buckle up the next two rounds will define the season.