The motorsport calendar is about to make a significant shift as the prestigious Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, a cornerstone of African rallying, prepares to blaze new trails in Mbarara, this premier event has been hosted in Jinja for the past two years.
However, 2025 marks the beginning of a new chapter as Mbarara takes the reins for the first time. Scheduled for May 9th to 11th, this rally will will deliver an unforgettable experience for fans and competitors.
For motorsport lovers in Mbarara, the news couldn’t be more exciting. The Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, renowned as the second round of the African Rally Championship (ARC) and the third round of the National Rally Championship (NRC), will now take center stage in this vibrant western city. This transition signals not only a geographic shift but also an opportunity to showcase Mbarara’s unique terrain and rallying culture on an international platform.
Mbarara is already gearing up for another major motorsport event: the Lumala @60 Mum @90 Mbarara Rally, slated to take place in just 10 days. With two high-profile events in the same year, Mbarara is solidifying its status as a rallying hotspot in Uganda.
Last year’s Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally in Jinja was a spectacle to remember, with Kenya’s Karan Patel clinching victory in an intense competition. As the event moves to Mbarara, fans are eager to see how the new location will challenge local and foreign drivers and shake up the championship standings. The rally’s reputation for delivering unpredictable outcomes and unmatched action ensures that this year’s edition will be no exception.
With the Lumala @60 Mum @90 Mbarara Rally just around the corner, motorsport fever is reaching its peak in the region. This first event will set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling year for rally fans. As Mbarara prepares to host the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally in May, the city is already buzzing with anticipation and preparations are already in full swing.
As part of the African Rally Championship, the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally attracts top-tier talent from across the continent. It’s a golden opportunity for local drivers to test their mettle against international competitors on home soil. This year’s shift to Mbarara provides a fresh playing field, with its scenic yet challenging routes poised to deliver a rallying experience like no other.
