Rough and smooth terrain await crews as Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally launches
Kisitu Mayanja, the Clerk of the Course (COC), disclosed this in his brief at the launch of the event, which doubles as the second round of the Africa Rally Championship (ARC) and the third round of the National Rally Championship (NRC).
Competitors, sponsors, and officials of the Pearl of Africa Rally pose for a photo at the launch of the event. Photo by Johnson Were
Crews in the 2026 Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally should expect both rough and smooth terrain in the three-day event spanning Kiruhura and Mbarara Districts.
Kisitu Mayanja, the Clerk of the Course (COC), disclosed this in his brief at the launch of the event, which doubles as the second round of the Africa Rally Championship (ARC) and the third round of the National Rally Championship (NRC).
The continental event, set for May 7–9, 2026, in Mbarara City, the capital of western Uganda, will cover a total distance of 569.16km, of which 201.85km is competitive. This marks the second consecutive year the rally has been hosted in Mbarara.
Kisitu said the battleground is set, and organisers are now only waiting to see what the drivers will showcase.
Mike Mukula (L), FMU Vice President Hajji Hamidu Gombe (2nd L), NCS General Secretary Dr. Patrick Bernard Ogwel (2nd R), and 2026 Africa Rally Champion Yasin Nasser at the launch of the 2026 Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Rally at Mestil Hotel. Photo by Johnson Were.
"We are ready with my team for the event. The route is done, and it is a mixture of both rough and smooth," Mayanja said.
"At the moment, we have 29 crews that have confirmed participation: 15 from Uganda, 7 from Kenya, 3 from Rwanda, and 4 from Tanzania. Entries will close on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, and the publication will be on Saturday, April 25, 2026," he added.
A five-stage battle
Kaguta Stage (23.46km): Named in recognition of the First Family's contribution to motorsport activities in the country.
Ankola Cow Stage (19.02km): Named to promote local heritage, cattle keeping, the leading and traditional livestock in the region.
Charles Muhangi Stage (18.04km): Named in memory of the late Charles Muhangi, the first native Ugandan to win the Continental championship in 1999.
Maama Stage (21.45km): Named in memory of the late mother of rally legend Moses Lumala, who passed away last year.
Rukaari Stage (6.19km): Named in appreciation of Hon. Mwesigwa Rukaari's contribution to the sport in the region and for offering his track at Mwesigwa Resort in Mbarara.
The event, co-sponsored by Shell V-Power, KCB Bank, UTB, Uganda Ministry of Works, Police, UPDF, Nivana, Ministry of Agriculture, Lakeview Resort Hotel, Roma Motors, NCS, and the Uganda Government, was presided over by National Council of Sports General Secretary Dr. Patrick Bernard Ogwel.
Dr. Ogwel lauded the leadership of the Federation of Motorsports Clubs of Uganda (FMU) for promoting the sport and assured the government's commitment to supporting motorsport in the country.
FMU Patron Captain Mike Mukula urged corporate brands to emulate Shell and KCB in supporting motorsport, saying it drives the economy.
Rally program:
Recce: May 5–6, 2026
Scrutineering: Shell Makenke, Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Qualifications and Shakedown: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Stages and SSS (Circuit): Rukaari Resort, Friday, May 8, 2026
Stages on Saturday and Prize Giving: Saturday, May 9, 2026