The roar of the engines in Naivasha will have a distinct Ugandan accent this March. Oscar Ntambi, the Kampala-born rally sensation, is set to make his debut at the grueling WRC Safari Rally, determined to lay down a marker for East African motorsport on the global stage.

Backed by a massive Ksh 227 million sponsorship from KCB, Ntambi is not just coming to participate; he is coming to compete. Piloting a formidable Mitsubishi Evolution X, he joins a regional squad that includes African champion Karan Patel. For Ntambi, this is the culmination of a journey that began in the dusty tracks of Buziga and has now led him to the toughest rally on the planet.

Man and Machine vs. The Wild

The Safari Rally is unforgiving. It breaks cars and spirits with equal indifference. Ntambi, navigated by his trusted co-driver Asuman Muhammed, knows the challenge ahead. "I do not really know the roads," he admitted with refreshing honesty, "so my main target is to finish." But behind the modesty lies a fierce competitor who conquered the Ugandan 2WD championship and is hungry for 4WD glory.

His Mitsubishi Evo X, built by Ralliart, is a beast designed for endurance. In a race where survival is often the best strategy, Ntambi’s disciplined driving style could be his greatest asset. He is flying the flag not just for Uganda, but for every privateer driver who dreams of sharing the stage with the WRC factory teams.

• The KCB Squad: Ntambi is part of an elite five-driver team supported by KCB, which also features paraplegic hero Nikhil Sachania and Rwandan Queen Kalimpinya. This investment underscores the bank's commitment to regional talent.
• The Preparation: After a turbulent 2025 season marred by mechanical gremlins, Ntambi has regrouped. His team has spent months prepping the car for the unique "fesh fesh" dust and rocky hell of Naivasha.
• The Regional Rivalry: While the WRC pros fight for the overall win, the battle for East African supremacy between Kenyan and Ugandan drivers adds a spicy subplot to the weekend.

A Debut to Remember

As the countdown to March 12 begins, the excitement in Kampala is palpable. Ntambi carries the hopes of a nation that is rediscovering its love for rallying. His presence in Naivasha proves that the sport is alive and kicking across the region, not just in Kenya.

When the flag drops, Oscar Ntambi will be driving into the unknown. But in the Safari Rally, legends are made by those who dare to face the dust and survive. The Pearl of Africa is ready to shine in the Rift Valley.

Finish or fail, Ntambi has already won by daring to start.