Jinja: The EMC Moil Rally in Jinja kicked off with a remarkable display of skill and determination as Yasin Nasser and Ali Katumba from the Moil Rally Team claimed a commanding lead in the first leg of the competition. Nasser and Katumba dominated the first two stages, establishing a lead of two minutes and 14 seconds over their closest rival, reigning NRC champion Byron Rugomoka.
Despite encountering two punctures in stage two, Ronald Sebuguzi fought back valiantly and showcased his exceptional driving skills at the Super Special Stage, securing the third position by the end of the day. Duncan Mubiru, a strong contender for the title, faced mechanical issues that dashed his hopes of victory.
Yasin Nasser continued his impressive performance on the second day of the EMC Moil Jinja Rally, further solidifying his bid for a second National Rally title. With co-driver Ali Katumba by his side, Nasser steered the Ford Fiesta R5 to a dominant victory, leading the rally from start to finish and claiming six stage wins out of seven.
Nasser and Katumba crossed the finish line with a substantial lead of 8 minutes and 6 seconds ahead of Ronald Sebuguzi, who showcased resilience and determination throughout the event. The Moil Rally Team’s flawless race ensured a comfortable victory and positioned them well for future rallies.
Nasser’s commanding win allowed him to extend his lead in the NRC standings, now 165 points clear of Duncan Mubiru, who unfortunately had to retire on the first day. Ronald Sebuguzi, after overcoming Saturday’s challenges, secured a commendable second-place finish, displaying skill and tenacity.
Peter Kalule demonstrated exceptional driving skills and claimed a well-deserved podium finish in third place, followed by Ibrahim Lubega in fourth. Mohammed Bwete completed the top five positions, showcasing remarkable performance throughout the rally.
In the 2WD category, Ibrahim Lubega emerged as the victor, with Julius Semambo taking second place and Samuel Watendwa securing the third position. The Clubman Rally Championship saw impressive performances from the Mohammed brothers and Omar brothers, who claimed the first and second positions in the category. Yasser Ali Omar and Wazir Ali Omar made an impressive rally debut, landing a podium finish in the same class.
The event experienced several casualties, including NRC title contenders Duncan Mubiru and Byron Rugomoka, who faced unfortunate mechanical issues that forced them out of the rally. Joshua Muwanguzi, the CRC championship leader, also retired from the event. Despite their setbacks, Muwanguzi maintains his position at the top of the CRC leadership, holding a narrow nine-point advantage over Godfrey Kiyimba.
Standings
Yasin Nasser – 398 Points
Duncan Mubiru – 233 Points
Ronald Sebuguzi – 190 Points
Ibrahim Lubega – 184 Points
Byron Rugomoka – 160 Points
The focus now shifts to the upcoming fifth round of the National Rally Championship, which will take place in Masaka on the weekend of August 11-13. As the competition intensifies, Yasin Nasser solidifies his position as the frontrunner, aiming to secure another NRC title.
