By Venessa Namusabi
Hassan Alwi jr, left on top took the bulls by the horns in Mbale to win the first leg of the KCB National Rally Championship opening round in Mbale on Day one.
The tightly contested rally saw the International University of East fuelled driver in a Ford Fiesta Proto take an early lead winning the opening stage.
To the shocker many thought it was a one-man snatch, but the two-time Kabalega rally winner showed class and consistence winning four of the six stages covered on march 27th 2026.
With 36.9seconds ahead of challenger Musa Ssegaabwe, the IUEA driver, Alwi navigated with experienced Musa Nsubuga will have to tighten the grip and also contain the pressure tomorrow to test victory from the mountains.
Ssegaabwe and Musa Kiyega in Skoda proto, targets tomorrow to narrow the gap and overturn it in the last stages of the rally including the power stage.
However, it is not as easy as it is said. With the rains making the routes very slippery and challenging, it will call for a combination of composure and skills for the crews to achieve their goals.
UMOSPOC Ambassador Samuel Bwete is also targeting a top finish and in the 8th place, nothing is impossible. Moses Lumala navigated by Cedric Buzabo are in sixth position while another UMOSPOC ambassador Hamza Lwanga navigating for Hajji Amir Kavuma are in 16th position out of the 24 crews that are still in the rally.
Defending champion Ronald Ssebuguzi also a UMOSPOC ambassador is struggling in the 18th position after suffering mechanical problems.
Day two promises to be another gruelling and mouth-watering leg that calls for skills, patience, endurance and managing pressure.
The KCBNational Rally Championship is sponsored by KCB Bank, Shell,FMU and organised by the Motorsport Promo Club.
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