The sound of engines filled Gulu City as the Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Rally kicked off on Independence Day. The rally, which is the sixth round of the National Rally Championship, drew huge crowds of fans who came to celebrate the life and passion of the late motorsport enthusiast Rajiv Ruparelia.
The two-day event, held from October 9 to 11, covers 260.88 kilometers of tough terrain. It combines racing excitement with a tribute to Rajiv, who died in a car crash on May 3 at the age of 34.
Organized by the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) and the Central Motor Club (CMC), the rally began at Kaunda Grounds. The Gulu City Mayor officially flagged off the race as supporters, sponsors, and officials cheered in excitement.
A total of 27 crews took part in the competition. Leading the pack were National Rally Championship contenders Ronald Sebuguzi with 241 points and Ponsiano Lwakataka with 235 points, both determined to strengthen their positions as the season nears its close.
Day One featured challenging stages such as Noblakes (15.01 km) and Wobbly (27.42 km), ending with the popular Super Special Stage at Pece War Memorial Stadium, where fans watched thrilling side-by-side action.
The mood changed when Ponsiano Lwakataka, a fan favorite, rolled his car and had to withdraw from the race. After Competitive Stage Two, Hassan Alwi Jr. led with a time of 21:02.5, followed by Duncan Mubiru at 21:04.6 and Sebuguzi at 21:15.7.
Day Two, taking place on Saturday, October 11, promises even more action. Drivers will compete in the Rajiv Ruparelia Power Stage (18.05 km), which offers extra points and could influence the final standings.
The rally has brought renewed energy and business activity to northern Uganda, running alongside the Gulu City Oktoberfest. Local hotels, restaurants, and traders are benefiting as fans gather at Pece Stadium for the main events.
Beyond the competition, the rally serves as a touching tribute to Rajiv Ruparelia’s love for motorsport and his generosity. Tree planting and borehole projects were included in the event to honor his dedication to community development.
“Rajiv was a great mind, a brother, and a father figure who gave more than he ever received,” said close friend Gideon Kirumira during the launch.
Rajiv’s father, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, attended the rally with his wife Jotysna and spoke proudly about his son’s lasting impact. “Rajiv’s legacy will live on through this memorial rally, which promotes motorsports and gives back to the community,” Sudhir said.
The rally also features major competitive stages such as the Super Special Stage Rajiv Ruparelia (1.96 km), which drivers run twice, and the KCB Bank Stage, expected to play a key role in shaping the National Rally Championship results.
Among the notable participants are the KCB Bank-sponsored pair Nasser Mutebi and Oscar Ntambi, along with Musa Ssegaabwe, Mathias Kiyegga, Duncan Mubiru, Michael Mukula, Julius Semambo, Jaffer Lukenge, Mansoor Lubega, and Bukenya Roald.
Gulu City has once again become the center of Uganda’s motorsport excitement, bringing together drivers and fans to celebrate both competition and the memory of a man who inspired the growth of the sport.
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