Mbarara to host Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally for second year

Motorsport fans in Mbarara and the Ankole region are excited as the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally returns to the area for the second year in a row.

The event will take place from May 7 to 9 across the districts of Mbarara and Kiruhura.

This year's rally is especially important because it counts as the second round of both the African Rally Championship (ARC) and Uganda's National Rally Championship (NRC).

Mbarara, one of Uganda's fastest-growing towns with about 97,500 residents, has shown it has the facilities and enthusiasm to host such a big event. The region is famous for its cattle ranches and long-horned Ankole cows, as well as beautiful rolling hills and rich culture, making it a special setting for the rally.

Many top drivers from Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania have entered the competition. Last year's winner, Karan Patel from Kenya, returns in his Skoda Fabia R5. Patel was African Rally Champion in 2023 and 2024 and is one of only seven Kenyan drivers to ever win the ARC. Other Kenyan drivers include Nikhil Sachania (Ford Fiesta R3), Jasmeet Chana (Ford Fiesta R5), Tinashe Gatimu (Ford Fiesta R4), and Joseph Gacheche. Tanzania's reigning national champion, Ahmed Huwel, will compete in a Toyota GR, while six crews from Rwanda will also take part.

Reynolds Kibira, General Secretary of the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU), said the decision to return to Mbarara was based on positive feedback from FIA officials. He praised the region's high safety standards and organization, which help maintain international confidence in Uganda's ability to host top-level motorsport. He also noted that rotating major events across the country supports Uganda's new sports policy, which aims to bring national events to at least 75 percent of all districts.

Clerk of the Course Kisitu Mayanja explained the rally structure. On May 7, there will be free practice and a qualifying stage to decide the starting order. On May 8, drivers will face two long competitive stages plus a super special stage designed for fans. On May 9, the rally will conclude with eight demanding stages.

The longest stage is the 23.46-kilometer Kaguta stage. The shortest is the 6.19-kilometer Robert Rukaari stage, which will also be the Power Stage, where drivers can earn extra championship points.

"This year's rally promises to be even more spectacular," Kibira said. "All routes are finalized, with some new sections added for an unforgettable experience."