Former NRC Champion Ronald Ssebuguzi Wins Round Six of the Anticipated CMC Kaliro Rally in Jinja

The second last round on the National Rally Championship (NRC) took place over the weekend of 11-13 November 2022 and was hosted by the Central Motor Club (CMC) in Iganga-Jinja. The event had been postponed since September due to unforeseen circumstances was won by Ronald Ssebuguzi and co-driver Anthony Mugambwa in their Ford Fiesta proto; it was their maiden first place finish this season and they did a total time of 1:40:20.74 in a competitive distance of 129.10km.

Ronald Ssebuguzi (right) and co-driver Anthony Mugambwa (left) on the podium after the rally.

Fans flocked to Jinja to watch their favorites battle it out as the season draws to its end and the drivers did not disappoint. Last year’s champion Duncan “Kikankane” Mubiru with new co-driver Joseph Bongole won day one in their Ford Fiesta proto in a time of 24:54.43. Mubiru led throughout the first three stages of the day and behind him finishing second on the first day was the man to watch come 2023, Mike Mukula Jnr with a new co-driver for the event, Ernest Musiime in their Subaru Impreza STi N12B. They did a time of 25:40.79. Closing out the top three of the day was Byron Rugomoka, who has had a good steady performance in the season with co-driver Hakim Mawanda. They did a time of 26:18.58.

Fan-favorite Mark Lubega suffered mechanical issues with their Subaru Impreza STi N10 in the very first stage which put him and co-driver Daniel Mbabazi out of running for this win.

The CRC Podium, from left second place finishers Yusuf Babu Jr (co-driver) and Rashid Makumbi, winners Ernest Musiime (co-driver) and Mike Mukula Jr, and third place finishers Muhammed Bwete and Isaac Lumu.

As day two started, Mike Mukula pulled no punches and came in first place, Mark Lubega came in second and Ronald Ssebuguzi in third. On the very stage, Lubega won his first stage of the rally as Ssebuguzi came in second tied with Jonas Kansiime. SS1 & SS2 were won by Mubiru, SS3 was won by Ssebuguzi, SS4 was won by Mike Mukula Jr, and SS5 by Lubega.

As the rally ended, Ssebuguzi and Mugambwa had won the event, Jonas Kansiime and co-driver Ivan Tushabe placed second with a time of 1:43:43.81. Kansiime disputed the results claiming malpractice and did not appear at the prize giving ceremony. In third place was Byron Rugomoka and Hakim Mawanda. Oscar Ntambi won the 2WD category and Mike Mukula won the CRC category (compete only 70% of the rally).

In the retirements of the event were Duncan Mubiru, Anwal Negomba Sadat, Godfrey Aine Sodo, Umar Kakyama, Henry Maseruka, Salim Kyabagadha, and Japheth Lugayizi.

The NRC season will come to a close with the MOSAC Kigezi rally in December and the champion will be crowned then. Fans are hoping to see current leader on the standings, Ponsiano Lwakataka.

Final Results of the CMC rally