Mbarara businesses reap big as Pearl of Africa Rally rolls in

The business community in Mbarara City is already experiencing an economic boom as rally fans flood the western Uganda city for the 2025 edition of the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally (POAUR).

This marks the first time Mbarara is hosting the prestigious rally, which has previously been held in Kayunga and Mukono since its inception in 1996.

With the Federation of Motorsport Uganda (FMU) selecting Mbarara as this year’s host city, the decision is proving to be a financial windfall for local businesses.

Hoteliers, transport operators, and vendors of all kinds are gearing up to cash in on the influx of visitors.

This rally comes just three months after the Mbarara City Rally in January, which saw food, drinks, and accommodation sold out citywide.

By Monday, most hotels in the city center were already fully booked, as fans rushed to secure accommodations ahead of the event.

Richard Byaruhanga, a hotel attendant in Mbarara City, admitted he hadn’t been aware of the event but was surprised by the surge in bookings.

“In one day, we had three separate bookings, each for more than ten people. As I speak now, we’re fully booked with no rooms left. It’s a big moment for us—I didn’t even know such a big event was coming,” Byaruhanga said.

Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari, one of the event’s sponsors, encouraged residents to take advantage of the economic opportunity.

“These events are not just for entertainment—they are avenues for generating income. Vendors, transport operators, and anyone with a business mindset should prepare to make money. This rally has drawn in foreign visitors who are ready to spend on quality service,” Mwesigwa said.

Martin Mugabe, a sugarcane vendor, shared how such events help small businesses like his.

“It’s a small business, but it gives me profit. I always sell out all the canes I bring, so I’ll be doing the same again this time,” he said.

On rally days, beverages like beer, soda, and water, along with food items such as muchomo (roasted meat), are in high demand, with vendors reporting brisk sales and good profits.

The week-long event, featuring 52 crews, kicked off Monday with various activities and will continue with competitive stages on Friday at Mwesigwa Resorts and Sanga, wrapping up on Saturday with the final leg of the rally.