Pearl of Africa Rally receives sh150m
This year's rally, which serves as both the second round of the Africa Rally Championship (ARC) and the third round of Uganda's National Rally Championship.
FMU officials with the KCB Bank representatives
Gerald Kikulwe
Journalist @New Vision
The 2025 Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally has received a sh150 million sponsorship boost from KCB Bank to support the three-day motorsport event scheduled for May 8-10 in Mbarara district. The announcement was made during the official launch in Kampala.
This year's rally, which serves as both the second round of the Africa Rally Championship (ARC) and the third round of Uganda's National Rally Championship (NRC), has attracted 40 Ugandan crews and six international drivers vying for championship points.
KCB Bank's acting Head of Marketing, Sheila Awori, emphasized the institution's commitment to motorsport development: "Our continued partnership with the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) reflects our dedication to talent growth and safety promotion in Ugandan motorsport."
Newly elected FMU President Jimmy Akena expressed gratitude for KCB's support, assuring stakeholders of a safe and successful event. "Safety remains our top priority for all participants and spectators," Akena stated.
Kisitu Mayanja, Clerk of the Course, outlined the rally schedule: Technical inspections (scrutineering) will occur on Wednesday, May 7, followed by qualifying stages and shakedowns for ARC crews on Thursday. The competitive action begins Friday with four special stages, followed by eight more on Saturday across challenging routes including Robert Rukaari (6.11km), Moses Muhangi (18.11km), and Ankole Cow (19.1km). The event will cover 199 competitive kilometers plus 15 non-competitive kilometers, totaling 250km over three days.
The sponsorship injection ensures Uganda's premier motorsport event maintains its high standards while showcasing the country's rally talent on the continental stage.