David GOMBE

KCB Financial institution Uganda, in partnership with the Federation of Motorsport Golf equipment of Uganda, has formally flagged off Oscar Ntambi and his co-driver Asuman Muhammed forward of the 2026 World Rally Championship Safari Rally.

The ceremony additionally unveiled fellow Ugandan drivers Duncan Mubiru, Yasin Nasser and Timothy Gawaya, signalling a stronger nationwide presence on the 2026 rally. Held on the FMU headquarters in Lugogo, the occasion marked the ultimate countdown for the Ugandan contingent as they put together to move to Naivasha, Kenya, for the worldwide showpiece scheduled for twelfth–fifteenth March 2026.

This flag-off follows KCB Financial institution’s latest sponsorship announcement supporting Oscar Ntambi and his co-driver Asuman Muhammed’s participation within the 2026 World Rally Championship Safari Rally. KCB Group has dedicated as much as KShs 227 million, underscoring its deep-rooted dedication to motorsport growth within the area. The funding is geared toward maximising workforce efficiency and equipping native expertise with the technical and monetary backing required to compete towards the world’s finest.

In the course of the ceremony, the Federation of Motorsport Golf equipment of Uganda additional strengthened nationwide help with an extra dedication of UGX 40 million in the direction of the workforce’s journey, lodging, and logistical preparations, reaffirming its mandate to facilitate Ugandan participation at elite international-level competitors.

Whereas officiating the flag-off, Zainab Kalyowa, the Model Expertise Supervisor at KCB Financial institution Uganda representing the Head of Advertising, stated, “At the moment marks a big milestone for Uganda’s motorsport fraternity. We’re proud to flag off not solely Uganda’s most interesting expertise, however rivals representing Africa on the worldwide stage. We imagine Oscar, alongside the opposite drivers, will make Uganda proud. His journey from native champion to WRC contender is a real testomony to our ‘For Folks. For Higher.’ promise, which continues to information our dedication to investing in communities and nurturing excellence.”

Kalyowa added, “At KCB Financial institution, we imagine within the energy of sport to unite and encourage. We’re proud to offer the platform and sources that assist our athletes transition from native success to worldwide recognition, not simply in motorsport, however throughout different disciplines comparable to rugby, volleyball, golf, and extra. We stay dedicated to persevering with this essential help and nurturing Uganda’s sporting expertise.”

Oscar Ntambi, a former Nationwide Rally Champion, will pilot a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X Ralliart as he makes his debut look on the world stage. In expressing his gratitude, Oscar Ntambi shared, “I’m immensely grateful to KCB Financial institution for believing in me and supporting my journey to the WRC. This isn’t only a private achievement, however a illustration of our nation’s potential on the world stage. I’m prepared to present my all in Naivasha and make my nation proud.”

The performing President of FMU urged all Ugandans to return out in full spirit, waving our nationwide flags excessive. Your help is important in showcasing the eagerness and expertise inside Ugandan motorsport. Collectively, let’s elevate the profile of our nation’s motorsport scene and proceed to drive in the direction of excellence”

The rally will cowl a complete aggressive distance of 350.02 kilometres, supported by a liaison distance of 842.9 kilometres, in step with FIA necessities. The four-day occasion will likely be based mostly in Naivasha, a transfer designed to fulfill the FIA 2026 sporting rules on distances and crew working hours, shifting away from the same old ceremonial flag-off in Nairobi.

On Thursday, twelfth March, there will likely be a shakedown on the newly launched Nawisa stage. This will likely be adopted by a ceremonial flag-off earlier than the automobiles cross Camp Moran and Mzabibu phases. On Friday, thirteenth March, automobiles will cross Camp Moran, Loldia, Geothermal, and Kedong. On Sunday, 14th March, motion will head to Soysambu, Elementaita, and Sleeping Warrior, earlier than concluding with an autograph signing at Mzabibu.

Sunday, fifteenth March, marks an electrical day of motion as automobiles rev off from Oserengoni, Hell’s Gate, earlier than passing the Wolf Energy Stage within the afternoon, culminating within the prize-giving ceremony. The four-day occasion in Naivasha will see Ntambi compete alongside world icons comparable to Sebastien Ogier and Thierry Neuville.

KCB Financial institution continues to reward its clients throughout this era, providing an opportunity to win VIP tickets for individuals who transact utilizing the financial institution’s cell banking platforms to make sure the Ugandan fanbase is well-represented in Kenya.

“As Ntambi heads into the Safari Rally’s difficult and dusty phases, KCB Financial institution Uganda is looking on all Ugandans to rally behind him. We’re additionally rewarding clients who transact by way of KCB Cellular Banking, by way of the app or *244#, with an opportunity to win VIP tickets to look at the Safari Rally dwell in Kenya, bringing the fun of the WRC nearer to followers who champion the game,” Kalyowa concluded.