Sports 3 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

61-Year-Old Lumala Targets Third NRC Rally Crown After Strong Mbale Finish

Veteran Ugandan rally driver Moses Lumala, 61, secured second place in the MPU KCB Rally in Mbale and has vowed to challenge younger competitors for a third national title. He credited trainer Maris Neiksan for turning around his performance after a shaky start. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/motor-sport/lumala-eyes-third-nrc-title-at-61-years-5411906

At 61 years old, Moses Lumala is showing no signs of slowing down in the National Rally Championship (NRC). The 1999 and 2003 champion finished second in the recent MPU KCB Rally in Mbale, trailing only Hassan Alwi and ahead of Ethiopia’s Stefano Veleri.

Paired with co-driver Cedric Buzabo, Lumala piloted his Ford Fiesta Proto with steady precision, gaining momentum through each stage. ‘I’ve been away from competitive racing for nearly 24 years, but this second place fuels me to keep pushing,’ he declared.

Lumala issued a bold warning to Alwi: ‘This is just the start. I’m coming for you at the Pearl of Africa Rally next month.’ He urged fans to support him in Mbarara, noting the event’s importance for his title bid.

Early struggles tested him. After a tiring Day One, Lumala felt age creeping in. But trainer Maris Neiksan intervened at the service park, reviewing onboard videos and challenging his cautious pace. Revitalized, Lumala dominated on Day Two in Bukedea, claiming a stage win.

Lumala joins a storied list of NRC winners, with Jas Mangat taking the 2024 title and Ronald Ssebuguzi the 2025 crown.

Source: Daily Monitor