The Federation of Motorsport Clubs (FMU) has received a timely boost of sh80m for the Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally that starts on May 10 in Jinja.

Over the last 27 years ever since its inception in 1997, the event has caught the eyes of the rally fraternity all over the continent who come to take part as drivers, fans or officials.

Speaking at the launch of the event, Diana Komukama, the head of Marketing and Communications at KCB Bank expressed her unwavering joy at being part of this year’s event as a sponsor.

“On behalf of the KCB bank, I’m thrilled to be associated with the rally which brings a lot of success to Uganda as hosts hence propelling us as not only competitors but a very hospitable nation that welcomes mammoth crowds to watch motorsport from Uganda,” Komukama noted.

This was at Kabira Country Club where she handed over a dummy cheque from the bank to the newly elected FMU president James Akena.

FMU will use the sh80m to help in the preparations of the event while the sh60m is to be handed to the drivers under the brand’s sponsorship.

Over thirty entries have confirmed participation in the event including current National Rally Championship (NRC) leader Jonas Kansiime. Others are former champions like Jas Mangat, Ronald Sebuguzi, and Ponsiano Lwakataka who embody more of the rally’s rich history and competitive spirit.

Defending African rally champion Karan Patel and Junior African rally champion Hamza Anwar all from Kenya are the only two foreign drivers who will add to the excitement.

Omar Mayanja, the event’s clerk of course believes both drivers and fans are going to have a memorable rally.

“This year’s stages have been designed to offer a fun and touristic experience for the drivers, our sponsors and fans,” Mayanja stated

He clearly stated that fans would watch the rally from gazetted spectator zones at least five times on day one. Day two will offer as much excitement too.

FMU president-elect James Akena also compelled the rally fraternity to stay united and keep the sport growing having assumed the role of event manager with immediate effect taking over from Dipu Ruparelia.

“I am glad to have worked tirelessly with Dipu and the team to see the event take place. What I can assure stakeholders is that we will have a wonderful event. The safety of crews and fans remains our major priority. Our target scope for this rally being an African Championship calendar opener is to have a smooth and successfully run event.” noted Akena.

National Council of Sports (NCS) assistant General Secretary Technical, David Katende assured the FMU fraternity of the government’s commitment to supporting their sport, propelling them into the priority category.

“With FMU now under the priority sports category, the government is committed to providing more support; from the tax waiver for rally cars and motorbikes to more challenging aspects like car spare parts which come with hefty taxes.”

The three-day event will start on Friday with a shakedown at Wairaka in Jinja, five sections, and Sunday will only have three sections and a closing section.