Africa-Press – Uganda. Ugandan rally driver Oscar Ntambi is living a dream he once experienced only through video games and roadside spectating.
Born in Buziga, Kampala, Ntambi has steadily climbed the ranks of East African motorsport to earn a coveted slot at the iconic Safari Rally Kenya — his first appearance at the legendary event and a lifelong ambition fulfilled.
Ntambi’s rally journey began with pure passion. After years of following the sport closely, he took a decisive step in 2017 by exploring the possibility of owning a rally car.
In 2018, he acquired his first vehicle and, alongside his brother, transformed it into a competition-ready machine. Training sessions in Garuga soon followed, laying the groundwork for what would become a rapid rise.
His competitive breakthrough came in 2021 when he joined the CRC Championship, winning the final three rallies of the season.
In 2022, he announced himself on the national stage by dominating the two-wheel-drive (2WD) category, clinching both the National Rally Championship and the 2WD Sprint Championship. The double triumph cemented his status as one of Uganda’s most exciting rally prospects.
The seasons that followed tested his resilience. While 2023 was relatively quiet, 2024 marked a significant step up with an upgrade to a Subaru N10, focusing largely on adaptation and technical growth.
In 2025, Ntambi endured mechanical setbacks and a heavy roll that temporarily sidelined him. Undeterred, he bounced back with another upgrade to a Mitsubishi Evo X, finishing strongly at the Busiika final sprint and securing second runner-up in the National Sprint Championship.
Now behind the wheel of a Mitsubishi Evo X Ralliart, navigated by long-time teammate Muhamadi Uthumaan, whom he has partnered with since 2018, Ntambi approaches the Safari Rally with measured ambition.
“This is my first attempt. I do not really know the roads or the surface, so my main target is to finish,” he says, mindful of the rally’s unforgiving terrain and global reputation.
Beyond motorsport, Ntambi is a businessman running a metal and aluminum fabrication company and a devoted family man. Married with four children — three boys and a girl — he already sees rallying inspiring the next generation. He frequently brings his children to training sessions and competitions, and his sons are showing growing enthusiasm for the sport.
Ntambi has also enjoyed regional success, including two category wins at the Pearl of Africa Rally, alongside multiple victories in local Ugandan events. He believes rallying occupies a unique place in Uganda’s sporting culture, describing it as one of the few disciplines that consistently unites and excites fans nationwide.
As he prepares to line up alongside world-class competitors from the World Rally Championship, Ntambi remains grounded and grateful. He has acknowledged the crucial support of his sponsors, particularly KCB Bank, for enabling his participation on such a prestigious international stage.
“This is one of the things I dreamt of doing,” he says. “We promise to do our best in the Safari Rally.”
