Pearl of Africa Rally honours Uganda's motorsport legends
The event, scheduled for May 8-11 in Mbarara, recognizes these individuals for their significant contributions to Ugandan motorsport.
FMU officials and event sponsors launch the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally on Monday
Aloysius Byamukama
Journalist @New Vision
This year's Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally (POAUR) will pay tribute to several distinguished Ugandans - both living and deceased - by naming competition stages in their honour.
The event, scheduled for May 8-11 in Mbarara, will recognize these individuals for their significant contributions to Ugandan motorsport.
The figures include:
Charles Muhangi Stage (18.11km): Honoring the late 1999 National Rally Championship and Africa Rally Championship winner
Amos Kaguta Stage (23.28km): Recognizing the late father of President Museveni and his family's motorsport legacy
Rukaari Stage (6.50km): Celebrating MP Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari for donating land for the Super Special Stage
Lumara Stage (20.29km): Named after former NRC champion Moses Lumara
Ankole Cow Stage: Paying homage to the region's iconic cattle heritage
According to FMU's Said Ali Kakeeto, these tributes reflect Uganda's rich motorsport history. "Mzee Kaguta's family has been instrumental - from Sodo Aine's rally career to government support through increased National Council of Sports funding," he noted.
The event has attracted top regional talent, including defending champion Karan Patel (Kenya) and Ugandan stars like Ronald Ssebuguzi and Yasin Nasser. KCB Bank leads the sponsorship with an 80 million shilling commitment, joined by Shell-V Power and other partners.
Organizers emphasized spectator safety across all specially designed stages, urging fans to follow official safety protocols during the high-speed competition.