By Frank Kaheesi – 

Mbarara came alive on Saturday evening as Kenya’s Karan Patel and co-driver Tauseef Khan powered their Škoda Fabia R5 to victory in the 2026 edition of the Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally 2026, securing Patel’s third triumph at Uganda’s most prestigious rally event.

The two-time African rally champion delivered a composed and calculated performance throughout the weekend, capitalizing on heartbreak for fellow Kenyan Samman Vohra, who had looked destined for victory before mechanical disaster struck on Sunday morning.

Vohra, navigated by Drew Sturrock, had dominated the rally from the opening stages and carried an enormous lead of over eight minutes heading into SS10 Kaguta 3. However, disaster unfolded when a broken front driveshaft forced him to slow dramatically, handing the rally lead to Patel.

In a painful coincidence, Kaguta 3 was the very same stage where Vohra’s campaign also ended during last year’s edition of the Pearl Rally.

With the lead suddenly in his hands, Patel switched to a conservative approach heading into the final 6.19km Shell V-Power Power Stage. Despite Vohra clawing back six seconds in the closing test, Patel comfortably held on to secure victory with a margin of one minute and forty-three seconds.

At the finish ramp in Mbarara, an emotional Patel praised his team and reflected on another successful campaign in Uganda.

“Thanks to the team, Tauseef, and our sponsors. Pearl is always special — the fans, the stages, everything,” Patel said. “After Vohra’s problem we just had to bring it home. Three wins here now. We’re very happy.”

Uganda’s Yasin Nasser and co-driver Ali Katumba delivered a solid and consistent drive in their Ford Fiesta R5 to complete the overall podium in third position, much to the delight of the home fans.

Meanwhile, one of Uganda’s top navigators, Enock Olinga, guided Tanzania’s Randeep Singh to victory in the National Rally Championship category aboard a Ford Proto. The pair clocked a total time of 2 hours, 7 minutes and 2 seconds to top the NRC standings.

Yasin Nasser finished second in the NRC standings while Uganda’s crowd favorite Duncan Mubiru, famously known as “Kikankane,” completed the NRC podium positions after an entertaining weekend of rally action.

The 2026 Pearl Rally once again delivered dramatic twists, punishing stages, passionate fans, and elite continental competition, reaffirming its status as one of Africa’s premier motorsport spectacles.

2026 Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally – Provisional Overall Top 3

1. Karan Patel / Tauseef Khan [KEN] — Škoda Fabia R5 — 02:06:06
2. Samman Vohra / Drew Sturrock [KEN] — Škoda Fabia R5 — 02:07:44
3. Yasin Nasser / Ali Katumba [UGA] — Ford Fiesta R5 — 02:08:59