MMC vs. FMU: Mbarara Rally goes to MPU for third year

The differences between Mbarara Motor Club (MMC) and the Federation of Motorsport Clubs in Uganda (FMU) seem far from being resolved.

This is evidenced by FMU's decision to keep the Lillian Busingye-led MMC at bay, as they have, for the third consecutive year, handed the organization of the National Rally Championship (NRC) season opener, the Mbarara Rally, to Motorsport Promotions Uganda (MPU).

Busingye and her team fell out with FMU two years ago during Dipu Ruparelia's tenure, and even under the new leadership of Jimmy Akena, the situation remains unchanged.

According to the FMU 2025 calendar, the NRC season opener, set for January 24-26 in Mbarara, will continue to be organized by MPU.

“Yes, the event is under the control of MPU. They can be contacted for further information,” was all FMU vice president Hajji Hamid Gombe could say.

In 2023, MMC was denied the organization rights after FMU claimed they did not comply with federation regulations during the 2022 event.

SSS Returns to Mwesigwa Resort Kibega

The technical teams from both FMU and MPU have already mapped out the possible rally sections in Kiruhura and Mbarara, with no significant changes to the routes used in the last three events.

However, the Super Special Stage (SSS) will return to the Mwesigwa Resort arena in Kibega, Kiruhura district, which hosted the 2022 and 2023 events.

Last year, the SSS was held at the Mbarara Golf Course Booma grounds in the heart of Mbarara City, where some drivers found drifting on the tarmac inconvenient.

“We are happy to host this special stage of the rally back at the arena. We have ensured the route is well-prepared and interesting,” said event host Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari.

Mwesigwa Resort arena hosted the December 2024 FMU autocross, where both novice and elite drivers participated, with Nasser Mutebi emerging as the winner.

Lumala, mum honoured in Mbarara

The event will honor rally ace Moses Lumala and his mother for their support of motorsport in Uganda.

Dubbed Lumala@60 and Mum@90 Birthday Rally Mbarara, the rally fraternity, in conjunction with FMU and MPU, thought it fitting to celebrate Lumala and his family as they reach these milestones.

Lumala last participated in the sport he loves, driving a Mitsubishi Evo 10, which he later sold to Arthur Blick Jr. and is now driven by Abdul Kateete.

A household name in local rallying in the late 90s and early 2000s, Lumala has recently purchased a Ford Proto, which is expected to compete in the Mbarara Rally and occasionally throughout the 2025 calendar.