The fight for who becomes the next national rally champion takes shape with the penultimate round this weekend in Hoima.

The UMOSPOC Kabalega Rally will be the fifth round of the extended championship that started in 2020.

The event was launched last week Thursday in Mukono and it will take place on the weekend of 22-24 October in Hoima district.

Five crews head into the weekend race with realistic chances of gaining the advantage in the title race.

The rally will run on one day with three stages repeated to cover a total competitive distance of 158.24km.

“It is going to be a fast event. The roads have been recently graded. Drivers should expect 80 per cent smooth roads. Things can only change when it rains,” says Jus Mungoma, the Clerk of the Course.

Kabalega Rally is anticipated to provide a hotly contested affair among the top five crews on the NRC leaderboard as their performance could determine their fate for the title chase.

The presence of Rajiv Ruparelia, Ronald Sebuguzi Duncan Mubiru and other drivers will spice up the battle for the top spot.

Duncan Mubiru and Musa Nsubuga currently lead the championship with 270 points, 40 clear of second placed Hassan Alwi.

Fred Busulwa and Omar Mayanja currently occupying the third and fourth positions respectively will be aiming at closing in on the leaders.

Jas Mangat, the winner of the previous event in Kasanda in June will be entering the third event of this season.

The Two-Wheel-Drive category title battle will have championship leader, Ibrahim Lubega battling with rivals, Godfrey Nsereko, Edward Kirumira and Samuel Watendwa.