EMC President Peter Kagwa applauds Vice President Alupo, Minister Ogwang for backing historic return of national rally championship to Teso

By Emmanuel Sekago

Eastern Motor Club (EMC) President Peter Kagwa has applauded Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, State Minister for Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang, and various partners for their unwavering support towards the successful hosting of the Soroti–Katakwi Rally, the first-ever National Rally Championship (NRC) event to be staged in the Teso sub-region.

Kagwa said the support from the government, local authorities and partners has been instrumental in bringing the country’s premier motorsport championship back to Teso, highlighting improved accommodation facilities, enhanced security and excellent cooperation from local leaders.

The National Rally Championship returns to the Teso sub-region this week for the first time in 56 years, reviving memories of one of Ugandan motorsport’s most historic chapters.

The Eastern Motor Club (EMC), in partnership with the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU), is organising the rally as part of efforts to expand the championship to different regions of the country while promoting motorsport beyond its traditional venues.

The fourth round of the 2026 National Rally Championship will be held from July 23 to 25 across Soroti and Katakwi districts, marking the NRC’s long-awaited return to the region.

Crews will battle over a demanding 289.02-kilometre route featuring 10 competitive stages across the fast and flowing roads of Eastern Uganda. The event comes at a crucial stage of the championship, with leading drivers seeking valuable points in the title race.

Championship leaders Hassan Alwi and co-driver Musa Nsubuga arrive in Teso at the top of the standings following a consistent start to the season. However, they are expected to face stiff competition from Duncan Mubiru, who is second overall, while Jonas Kansime remains firmly in contention in third place.

The fast roads of Soroti and Katakwi are expected to reward speed, precision and endurance, leaving little room for mistakes.

Competition begins with four stages on the opening day before crews tackle an evening Super Special Stage. The 17.16-kilometre IUEA Stage will be the day’s longest test, while the 10.65-kilometre Segamu 14 Stage will be the shortest.

The rally will conclude in Katakwi District, where competitors will contest two repeated stages before the decisive Power Stage. The 18.09-kilometre Steadfast Forwarders Stage is the longest test on the final day, while the MMC Stage covers 13.60 kilometres.

Speaking during the official launch at Copper Chimney in Lugogo, FMU General Secretary Raymond Kirabira said taking the National Rally Championship to Soroti and Katakwi demonstrates the federation’s commitment to decentralising motorsport while fulfilling the National Council of Sports’ mandate of promoting sports across Uganda.

Clerk of Course Monica Birwinyo acknowledged the challenges encountered while preparing the rally route.

“We went through Soroti and Katakwi, but it was not easy to secure the stages because of rain and swampy terrain. However, we managed to identify enough competitive sections,” Birwinyo said.

Safety remains a top priority following the tragic loss of a motorsport official during the previous championship round in Masaka. Organisers have urged drivers, officials and spectators to strictly observe all safety regulations throughout the event.

Activities begin on Thursday with administrative checks and scrutineering at Soroti Hotel, followed by a tree-planting exercise on Friday as part of the rally’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.

Beyond the competition, organisers believe the return of the National Rally Championship to Soroti and Katakwi will stimulate tourism, boost local businesses and expose a new generation of fans in the Teso sub-region to top-level Ugandan motorsport.