MBARARA, Uganda — The 2025 Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally is officially underway, serving as both the second round of the African Rally Championship (ARC) and the third round of the National Rally Championship (NRC).

The event, which evolved from the Great Lakes Rally first organized by Uganda and Burundi in 1997, derives its name from Winston Churchill’s description of Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa.”

Considered a highlight of the ARC calendar, this year marks the first time the rally will be held outside central Uganda, taking place in the western district of Mbarara.

Clerk of Course Kisitu Mayanja explained the change, stating the desire to “showcase our premier event as a reflection of our country; the Pearl of Africa. And we have managed to achieve it with this change. Mbarara has a rich cultural heritage but also wildlife. These are the things we want our fans to enjoy.”

Organizers are allowing a maximum of 45 entries for the rally, which has historically been judged by its number of participants. In addition to local competitors, leading teams from Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania are expected to participate.

The Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally will contribute to the FIA African Rally Championship and four other category championships, including the ARC Junior Drivers. Local drivers will also compete for the National rally championship, 2WD, Clubman, and three division titles.

The Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) acknowledged the continued title sponsorship of Vivo Energy under its Shell V-Power brand, making it the Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Rally.

KCB Bank Uganda has also partnered with FMU for the event, continuing a relationship since the bank’s entry into Uganda. KCB Bank has invested 80 million Ugandan shillings in this year’s rally.

Sheila Awori, KCB Bank’s Acting Head of Marketing, said the bank is “very privileged to be part of this prestigious event” and aims to align itself with the sport and the communities it serves.

Fans are encouraged to purchase rally tickets using KCBPay 2449# with the merchant code 125122.

Hon. James Akena, President of FMU, assured sponsors of value for money, accountability, and visibility. He emphasized Mbarara’s appeal, noting its reputation for milk and the rally itself, while stressing that “safety is our priority for everyone.”

Other sponsors and partners include Coca-Cola, Lakeview Resort Hotel, Isuzu Uganda, Fire and Safety Appliances, ROMA Motors (U) Ltd, Nagrc (DB) Farm, the Ugandan government through the National Council of Sports (NCS), Uganda Police, UPDF, and Hon. Mwesigwa Resort.

The rally features five stages named after figures and cultural elements associated with motorsport and the Ankole region:

• Charles Muhangi stage:11km, 85% closed. Named in memory of Charles Muhangi, the only Ugandan to win the African Rally Championship (1999). His family will be present.
• Kaguta stage:28km, 100% closed. Named in honor of the support for motorsport from the sons of Kaguta: Gen. Saleh, Sodo Aine, and Michael Nuwagira (aka Toyota).
• Ankole Cow stage:28km, 100% closed. Named after the famous Ankole cattle, which give Mbarara the nickname “Land of Milk.”
• Moses Lumala stage:29km, 30% closed. Named after national champion Moses Lumala, an inspiration in Ugandan motorsport.
• Rukaari stage:50km, 100% closed. Named after Hon. Mwesigwa Robert Rukaari, Member of Parliament for Mbarara city North, who has provided land for a motorsport facility. This stage will host the event’s start, a double circuit, and the final Shell V-Power stage.

Organizers emphasized that all stages were designed for fan enjoyment and, most importantly, safety. Fans are urged to follow all safety precautions provided by organizers, marshals, police, and the military.