By Mwambazi Lawrence-

Uganda’s motorsport atmosphere has burst into life as the countdown to the Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally enters its final days, with rally fever now spreading across the country ahead of next week’s blockbuster event in Mbarara. The rally doubles as a major round of the African Rally Championship and round 2 of the KCB NRC, is expected to attract some of the best drivers and teams from across the region. Many fans and insiders are already describing it as one of the biggest events on this year’s continental calendar, second only to the legendary Safari Rally held earlier this season.

With international crews now beginning their journey to Uganda, anticipation has reached another level. Most of the foreign competitors are expected to arrive in Kampala on Sunday before proceeding to Mbarara to begin preparations for the event. Their arrival will mark the start of a busy and exciting week for organisers, teams, fans, and the entire rally community.

The first official activity for crews will be reconnaissance, commonly known as recce, where drivers and co-drivers inspect the stages and make pace notes for the competition. Recce is scheduled to begin on Tuesday morning and continue until Wednesday evening, giving competitors enough time to familiarise themselves with the roads around Mbarara and Kiruhura.

While foreign crews are travelling in, Uganda’s local teams are deep in final preparations. Garages in Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Jinja, and other motorsport hubs have become centres of nonstop activity as mechanics work tirelessly to prepare cars for one of the toughest rallies of the season. Engines are being tuned, gearboxes inspected, suspension systems reinforced, brakes tested, and bodywork polished as crews aim to arrive in Mbarara fully ready for battle. The sound of revving engines and grinding tools has become the soundtrack of the week, with every team chasing perfection.

Earlier this morning, the Kenyan service crew of CRS Rally Team officially departed From Nairobi for Kampala and are expected to arrive tomorrow. Their movement signals the seriousness with which regional teams are approaching the event, knowing that a strong service crew can make all the difference during the rally weekend. The Arkif Virani service crew has also begun its journey and is likewise expected in Uganda tomorrow.

From Tanzania, several notable crews are already en route to Uganda. These include Ahmed Huwel, Randeep, and Manveer, all of whom are expected to add more firepower to the competition..

For the local fans, this is more than just another race. The Pearl of Africa Rally is going to be a celebration of speed, bravery, teamwork, and national pride. Supporters are already planning trips to Mbarara, booking hotels, organising fan convoys, and preparing team merchandise as they get ready to witness the action live.

Businesses in Mbarara are also expected to benefit greatly from the event, with hotels, fuel stations, restaurants, supermarkets, and transport operators likely to enjoy a major boost from the influx of teams, officials, media personnel, and spectators.

The roads of Mbarara are known for producing dramatic rally moments   fast straights, technical corners, changing surfaces, and unpredictable weather conditions that can turn the contest upside down at any moment. That combination is what makes the Pearl of Africa Rally one of the most respected and feared events on the calendar.

As the final countdown continues, one thing is clear: Uganda is ready. The crews are coming, the mechanics are working, the fans are waiting, and Mbarara is preparing to host a motorsport spectacle of continental proportions.