After months of waiting, counting down, and endless rally talk, the much-anticipated Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally is finally here, with excitement building across the country as crews, fans, and officials prepare for one of the biggest motorsport events on the calendar.
Earlier today, the NRC pre-scrutineering exercise was successfully conducted at Shell Kitetika along Gayaza Road, where a total of 23 National Rally Championship crews had their cars inspected and cleared. The exercise was aimed at ensuring the crews are fully prepared and compliant ahead of the demanding event.
Meanwhile, another 46 cars, including African Rally Championship crews and selected NRC competitors, will undergo scrutineering in Mbarara at Shell Makenke, where the official rally headquarters is expected to come alive in the coming days.
The rally action officially begins on Thursday morning, with ARC crews taking part in the free practice and qualifying stages, sessions that will determine the all-important start order for the main competition.
Before that, crews will have a chance to familiarize themselves with the stages during the official recce, which starts on Tuesday morning and concludes on Wednesday evening.
International participation has already added more spice to the event, with several foreign crews making their way to Uganda. Tanzania’s Ahmed Huwel is expected to arrive tomorrow, while Burundi’s Mohammed Abas Rashanali is also set to land tomorrow. Kenyan crews are expected to begin arriving in Kampala on Sunday, setting the stage for a truly continental showdown.
With teams, mechanics, supporters, and officials all heading west, Mbarara Town is expected to become a hive of activity from Monday throughout the entire week as rally fever grips the city.
The Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally doubles as the second round of the African Rally Championship and also the second round of the National Rally Championship, with a strong total of 64 confirmed entries ready to battle for glory.