Mbarara ready to debut Pearl of Africa Rally as teams arrive
A total of 52 drivers began arriving as early as Sunday for the week-long rally, which includes a series of activities building up to the main competition days.
Rally ace Yassin Nasser
Aloysius Byamukama
Journalist @New Vision
The crews set to participate in this year’s edition of the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally (POAUR) have arrived in the host city of Mbarara, Western Uganda, ahead of the much-anticipated event taking place this Friday and Saturday.
A total of 52 drivers began arriving as early as Sunday for the week-long rally, which includes a series of activities building up to the main competition days.
Among the early arrivals are defending champion Karan Patel and fellow Kenyan driver Samman Vohra, both of whom will be driving Skoda Fabia R5 cars. They will face stiff competition from Uganda’s top rally drivers, including Duncan Mubiru, Ponsiano Lwakataka, Ronald Ssebuguzi, Yassin Nasser, and Nasser Mutebi.
According to the event schedule released by the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU), Monday featured the issuance of the road book, while Tuesday was dedicated to reconnaissance of the rally routes. Today, Wednesday, is reserved for scrutineering of the rally cars.
Thursday will feature the practice and qualifying runs at the Super Special Stage located at Mwesigwa Resorts, as well as the official shakedown before the competition gets underway on Friday and Saturday.
Event manager Kisitu Mayanja confirmed that all rally sections will be closed to the public, with only the competing drivers allowed access. “These sections are completely closed off. No other motorists will be allowed, which ensures safety and a fair race. I anticipate intense competition, especially since we are on neutral ground,” Mayanja noted.
The 199-kilometer rally will feature five competitive sections: the 18.11km Charles Muhangi section, the 23.28km Kaguta section, and the 19.28km Ankole Cow section, all located within the NAGRIC farm in Sanga, Kirugura. The Rukaari section, measuring 6.50km, will serve as the Super Special Stage (SSS) and also act as the Shell V-Power stage, concluding the rally after the 20.29km Moses Lumara section.
This year marks the first time Mbarara is hosting the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, with all previous editions having been held in Mukono and Kayunga.
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