Duncan Mubiru’s victory at the Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Rally has intensified the battle for championship positions, although Hassan Alwi remains firmly in control of Uganda’s National Rally Championship title race.
Mubiru, popularly known as Kikankane, delivered a commanding performance in Gulu, beating Moses Lumala and Haruna Katazza to secure maximum classification points and valuable bonuses.
However, the result’s biggest significance lies in the increasingly competitive battle behind championship leader Alwi, whose fourth-place finish allowed his closest rivals to narrow the gaps between themselves.
Navigated by Hamuz Lwanga in a Ford Fiesta, Mubiru completed the rally in one hour, seven minutes and 46 seconds.
He finished 42.2 seconds ahead of Lumala and Cedric Buzabo, who also competed in a Ford Fiesta.
Katazza and David Mwesigwa completed the podium in a Subaru WRX STI, finishing two minutes and 31.1 seconds behind the winners.
Alwi, navigated by Musa Nsubuga, finished fourth, two minutes and 46.7 seconds behind Mubiru.
The result earned Mubiru 34 points, including four bonus points, compared with Alwi’s 19-point return.
Lumala collected 25 points, while Katazza earned 26 after securing five bonus points despite finishing third overall.
Championship battle takes shape
Although Alwi remains the championship favourite, the Gulu results have created an intriguing contest for the positions immediately behind him.
Based on previously reported championship standings and the official Gulu classification, Alwi’s provisional total rises to 255 points.
Lumala moves to 165 points, Mubiru climbs to 163, while Jonas Kansiime reaches 162 after finishing eighth in Gulu.
Only three points separate Lumala, Mubiru and Kansiime, setting up a potentially decisive contest in the remaining championship outings.
Alwi, meanwhile, holds a commanding 90-point advantage over Lumala, leaving his challengers requiring substantial gains to threaten his position.
For Mubiru, the Gulu victory represents an important breakthrough in his pursuit of a stronger championship finish.
His 34-point haul was the highest in the main rally classification, giving him a significant advantage over several direct competitors.
Kansiime, who finished eighth alongside Ronald Bukenya in a Mitsubishi Lancer, collected 11 classification points and 21 points in the D1 category.
His result keeps him firmly involved in the championship contest, although the final standings will depend on the points applicable to each competition.
Bonus points could prove decisive
The Gulu results also demonstrated how bonus points can influence championship positions beyond the overall finishing order.
Katazza’s third-place finish earned him 21 classification points, but five additional points increased his event total to 26.
That was one more than Lumala, despite the latter finishing second overall.
Mubiru similarly benefited from four additional points, taking his total from 30 to 34.
The scoring structure places additional importance on performances that generate bonus points, particularly when competitors are separated by narrow championship margins.
For drivers chasing Alwi, maximising every available point could determine their final positions.
Remaining outings carry greater significance
Attention now shifts towards the remaining National Rally Championship programme, with the postponed Uganda Motorsport Club Rally in Fort Portal among the events requiring confirmation.
The championship’s published calendar also included a November outing, although the final programme and outstanding rounds must be confirmed by the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda.
For Lumala, Mubiru and Kansiime, the immediate objective will be to maintain consistency while collecting as many points as possible.
Alwi’s sizeable advantage gives him considerable breathing space, but reliability and finishing rallies remain essential to protecting his championship position.
The Gulu event also demonstrated the competitiveness of Uganda’s leading crews, with Ford Fiesta drivers occupying three of the top four positions.
Mubiru’s victory has consequently added fresh momentum to the championship, particularly the battle for second place.
While Alwi remains the driver to catch, the fight behind him promises to provide plenty of excitement as the season moves towards its conclusion.