BY MWAMBAZI LAWRENCE –

Uganda is once again set to host one of the continent’s most prestigious motorsport events as it welcomes Round 2 of the African Rally Championship which also doubles as the second round of the KCB National Rally Championship The Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally is scheduled to take place from 7th to 9th May, with crews taking on the stages in Mbarara and Kiruhura districts.

This year’s edition promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Crews from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda are already confirmed, with more expected as entries close. Rally fans are in for a treat, as the event brings together a mix of seasoned champions, rising talents, and inspiring stories.

The Kenyan contingent is particularly strong. Karan Patel, last year’s winner, will return in his Skoda Fabia R5, co-driven by Tauseef Khan, aiming to defend their title. Samman Vohra and Drew Sturrock are back to redeem themselves after a dramatic retirement on the final day of the previous edition. Meanwhile, Jasmeet Chana and co-driver Ravi Chana will make their first Uganda outing in a Ford Fiesta R5 under the ARC class.

Handicapped driver Sachania, who impressed fans last year with his determination and speed, will return in a Ford Fiesta, looking to improve on his previous performance. Other Kenyan entrants include Evans Kavisi and Absolom Aswani in ARC2, and Arkif Virani, who brings momentum from the recently concluded WRC Safari Rally. Debutants Joseph Gachecheh and Finnish co-driver Sofia Rantasalo will finally compete in Uganda in a Skoda Fabia R5, after missing the recent WRC Safari Rally due to logistical delays. Adding a unique story is the mother-daughter duo Tinashe Gatimu and Caroline Gatimu, set to compete and inspire rally fans.

Tanzania will be represented by reigning national champion Ahmed Huwel, driving a Toyota GR Yaris, aiming to kickstart his ARC campaign in Uganda on a strong note. His precision and experience make him a serious contender for the overall podium.

Rwanda is sending six crews, led by Queen Kalimpinya, the reigning Rwandan champion, in a Subaru Impreza GVB co-driven by Olivier Ngabo. Other top Rwandan crews include Christian Kanangire and Kevin Mujiji in a Subaru N12b, who impressed at the WRC Safari Rally, Eric Gakwaya and Kayibanda Aurore in a Subaru Impreza GVB, and Yoto Fabrice in a Subaru Impreza N11. With such a strong lineup, the Ugandan crews will face stiff competition on every stage.

The 2026 rally routes are largely similar to last year’s, with a few new sections introduced to challenge the crews further. The total rally distance is 569.16 km, with 201.85 km dedicated to competitive stages divided into 12 stages, and 367.31 km of liaison sections connecting them. Crews will face a mix of gravel, dirt, and tarmac, as well as elevation changes, sharp corners, and unpredictable weather.

The event kicks off on Thursday with a free practice stage followed by a qualifying stage that will determine starting positions. Day 2 features two long stages and a superspecial stage designed to test speed and consistency. Day 3 comprises eight long stages, including the rally’s longest stage, Kaguta, at 23.46 km, demanding endurance and concentration. The Robert Rukaari stage, the shortest at 6.19 km, will serve as the power stage, offering extra points for the fastest crews.

With a continental field of experienced champions, ambitious debutants, and local heroes, the 2026 Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally promises intense competition and thrilling battles across every stage. Fans can expect high-speed action, dramatic moments, and stories of resilience as drivers push their machines to the limit.

The stage is set, the engines are warming, and rally fans across Africa can look forward to an unforgettable motorsport spectacle from 7th to 9th May 2026 in Mbarara and Kiruhura.