Pearl Rally hits Mbarara with 53 Crews, sh150m Vivo boost

Fifty-three crews have been confirmed to compete in this year’s V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally (POAR) which, for the first time, is going to be held in western Uganda.

This was disclosed by the Federation of Motorsport (FMU) General Secretary Reynolds Kibira during a news conference at the Vivo Energy head offices in Industrial Area on Tuesday, where the hosts unveiled a sh100m sponsorship towards the event.

In the same vein, they also extended sh50m to Ugandan rally drive Ronald Ssebuguzi, who is their brand ambassador.

Kibira said the event is the second round of the FIA Africa Rally Championship (ARC) which has 14 crews (8 foreign and 6 Ugandan) vying for the ARC.

“We have carefully selected a destination where we are going to hold this event-the Ankole region which for the last 29 years has never hosted an event of such magnitude,” Kibira said

“We chose this destination not only to sell the sport but also to promote destination Uganda, to sell the scenic beauty of our country, and we are leveraging and benchmarking with what happened with the World Rally Championship in Kenya,” Kibira stated.

He said one of the stages is located in Lake Mburo National Park, and the rally will also showcase the long-horned Ankole cow. He said they are also positioning motorsport as a driver for domestic tourism.

“We want to promise a highly professional event, highly safe because we have chosen stages that are closed off from public roads, and we want it to turn out as one of the best events on the African continent,” he stated.

He urged motorsport fans from Uganda and beyond to attend and enjoy the rally responsibly. All attendees are encouraged to follow safety guidelines and rally regulations to ensure an unforgettable, yet secure, motorsport weekend.

FMU president Jimmy Akena said they were honoured that this partnership with Vivo Energy continues to grow and they look forward to strengthening it as they expand the sport.

“The president of the FIA has given an opportunity to open up the sport to a much bigger audience, and we have started that process of bringing that reality,” he said.

He noted that taking the POAR to Mbarara, their program to broaden the appeal of the sport and to move it out and bring it out in the same vicinity as part of the preparations for this showcase ARC.

Vivo Energy Managing Director Joanita Mukasa Menya said they will not relent in their continued support to ensure the sport continues to grow in the country. She noted that their support reflects the company’s mission to invest in local talent, champion road safety, and power the growth of motorsport across the country.

“Because we are Africa’s leading and most-respected business, we would like to lead from the front concerning motorsport because we not only power engines but also passion, growth, and progress, and for us this is a big opportunity for us to do that,” Mukasa stated.

“For us it is to re-affirm that we appreciate motorsport differently and we appreciate your efforts showcasing what beauty we have here and by attracting more people from other countries; and this shows that you are doing the right thing

“We want to showcase Uganda and the talent we have in the country because we are big on growth and supporting talent and we are big on safety because we want everyone to arrive alive.

We would like to encourage FMU to ensure safety is a priority and this sport is delivered safely

She encouraged the public to storm Mbarara in big numbers and watch how they are unveiling passion in young people and to support our teams

“We are committed to support sport and grow the numbers

Signed a contract witnessed by Kibira, who was flanked by the FMU vice president, Hamid Gombe, and the head of marketing, Saidi Kakeeto.

Vivo was also represented by their marketing manager, Hellen Bwengye, and chief commercial officer, Mkavea Alinafe.

The Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally remains a highlight on the national motorsport calendar and a qualifying event on the African Rally Championship (ARC) series.

As the title sponsor, Vivo Energy Uganda is once again placing Shell V-Power, its premium performance fuel, at the heart of the rally. Designed with a 98-octane rating, Shell V-Power is engineered to deliver superior engine performance, reduce friction, and clean critical engine components. The fuel is co-engineered with and trusted by Scuderia Ferrari, making it the choice of champions in Formula 1. For everyday motorists, this means a fuel that not only boosts performance but also enhances engine longevity—bringing world-class technology to the Ugandan roads.

Rally program

Tuesday—Raking by drivers and officials

Wednesday—Scrutineering at Shell Makenke by FIA officials

Thursday—Shakedown

Friday—Super Special Stage (Double circuit)

Saturday—Competitive sections (Ankole, Charles Muhangi, Kaguta, and Moses Lumala sections)

Sunday—Return home for fans and crews