Kenyan star Samman Singh Vohra lights up Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally qualifying

Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally

Date; May 7-9, 2026

Venue; Mbarara City

Kenyan rally sensation Samman Singh Vohra has set Mbarara and the wider Ankole sub-region abuzz after delivering a commanding performance in the qualifying stage of this year’s Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally.

His exceptional display not only thrilled motorsport enthusiasts but also earned him the prestigious honour of leading the field as car number one when the main competition officially gets underway today.

The highly anticipated rally revved into action on Wednesday, May 7, at Mwesigwa Resort in Kibega, Sanga. Drivers first tackled a demanding 4.66-kilometre qualifying stage before proceeding to a 3.77-kilometre shakedown session. Vohra emerged as the standout performer, posting an impressive fastest time of 3 minutes and 47.3 seconds—underlining both his speed and technical precision on the gravel terrain.

Trailing him was fellow Kenyan Karan Patel, who clocked 3 minutes and 53.7 seconds to secure second place among competitors battling for valuable points in the African Rally Championship (ARC). The early performances have already signalled an intense and highly competitive contest as East Africa’s finest rally crews seek continental glory.

This year’s edition marks the second consecutive time the prestigious rally is being staged in Mbarara, reinforcing the region’s growing stature as one of Africa’s emerging motorsport destinations. The successful hosting has increasingly positioned the Ankole sub-region as a strategic hub capable of attracting major international sporting competitions, while simultaneously boosting tourism, hospitality, and local business activity.

Competition intensifies today, May 8, as engines roar back to life with a formidable field of 52 drivers competing in both the African Rally Championship and Uganda’s National Rally Championship. Drivers and navigators are expected to endure a gruelling day across a sequence of challenging stages designed to test endurance, speed, technical skill, and teamwork.

The day’s itinerary begins with the demanding Charles Muhangi stage (18.04 kilometres), followed by the fast and technical Kaguta stage (20 kilometres). Competitors will then navigate the scenic yet deceptively difficult Ankole Cows stage (19.96 kilometres) through the picturesque countryside synonymous with the region’s famed long-horned cattle. The action will climax with the compact but spectator-friendly Mwesigwa Rukaari Super Special Stage (2.28 kilometres), which will be repeated to conclude the day’s racing programme.

As the second round of the African Rally Championship calendar, the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally carries immense significance for drivers seeking valuable championship points and regional dominance. Simultaneously, it remains one of the most important fixtures on Uganda’s National Rally Championship schedule, attracting an exciting blend of experienced veterans, rising stars, and ambitious newcomers.

Among the key competitors attracting considerable attention is Mike Mukula Jr, the reigning 2024 ARC2 champion, whose consistency and composure continue to make him one of Uganda’s brightest rally prospects. Equally notable is Oscar Ntambi, who currently leads the ARC2 standings following his category triumph at the prestigious WRC Safari Rally earlier this year.

Uganda’s youngest entrant, Kevin Bebeto, has also generated considerable interest. Driving a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX alongside experienced navigator Lawrence Mwambazi, the young driver will be eager to secure his maiden ARC points and further establish himself among the country’s emerging rally talents.

Additional local contenders include Godfrey Aine Sodo Kaguta, competing in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, and Godfrey Nsereko, who is making his debut appearance on the African Rally Championship stage in a Toyota Etios.

The rally has also witnessed the highly anticipated return of several fan favourites and former champions whose experience and charisma continue to captivate spectators. These include Duncan Mubiru (winner of the 2023 edition), Hassan Alwi Jr (the 2016 champion), and Ponsiano Lwakataka (who famously claimed victory in 2011).

They are joined by other seasoned competitors such as Moses Lumala, Ronald Ssebuguzi, and Jonas Kansime, all of whom bring invaluable experience and fierce competitiveness to the championship battle.