At a colourful event held on Monday, April 28 at Mestil Hotel in Nsambya, the 2025 Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally was officially launched, signaling the beginning of an exciting countdown to one of Uganda’s most prestigious motorsport events.
Scheduled to take place from May 8-11, 2025, the rally will for the first time be hosted in Mbarara, the heart of Uganda’s Ankole region, famously known as the “Land of Milk and Honey”.
The rally’s return to the western region marks a historic moment as Mbarara hosts the event for the first time since the rally’s inauguration as a candidate event for the African Rally Championship in 1997.
Motorsport enthusiasts recall that inaugural event, won by Chipper Adams and co-driver Justin Beyendeza in a Toyota Supra as the beginning of what would become one of Africa’s iconic rallying traditions.
Named after Winston Churchill’s famous description of Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa,” this rally stands as a celebration of the country’s natural beauty, diversity, and rich motorsport heritage.
The 2025 edition brings more than a change of scenery, it marks a strategic shift in Uganda’s rallying story. Organizers faced rising costs and logistical challenges in previous host districts like Jinja and Buikwe.
In response, Mbarara emerged as the ideal alternative, offering not only operational efficiency but a stunning rally landscape featuring Lake Mburo National Park and iconic Ankole cattle ranches.
“This is more than a venue change; it’s an opportunity to showcase Uganda’s motorsport vibrancy on a global stage,” emphasised officials from the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU).
The event’s stature as both the second round of the African Rally Championship and the third round of Uganda’s National Rally Championship.
Highlighting the event’s commitment to fan engagement and sponsor loyalty, this year’s rally adopts a unique “cloverleaf” stage design. Three of the five stages will unfold within a closed farm setup at NAGRC (DB) Nshara Farm where spectators must transact with sponsors to access exclusive viewing zones, blending motorsport excitement with brand interaction.
The five rally stages pay homage to Ankole’s cultural and motorsport heroes:
- Charles Muhangi Stage (18.11 km): Honouring the late Charles Muhangi, Uganda’s only African Rally Champion.
- Kaguta Stage (23.28 km): Recognizing the contributions of the sons of Kaguta (Gen. Saleh, Sodo Aine, Michael Nuwagira “Toyota”) to Uganda’s motorsport scene.
- Ankole Cow Stage (19.28 km): A tribute to the iconic Ankole cattle that symbolize the region’s agricultural wealth.
- Moses Lumala Stage (20.29 km): Celebrating local motorsport legend Moses Lumala, a pillar of inspiration for the sport.
- Rukaari Stage (6.5 km): Named after Hon. Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari, MP for Mbarara City North, who dedicated land for a permanent motorsport facility.
Safety remains paramount with closed routes and strict traffic control measures in place throughout the rally.
Mr. Kisitu Mayanja, the Event Clerk of Course (COC), outlined the week-long program:
- Monday: Release of the road book
- Tuesday: Competitor reconnaissance
- Wednesday: Car scrutineering
- Thursday: Practice and shakedown at Mosugo Resort
- Friday: Start of competition, including the super special stage at Rukari Mosugo Resort
- Saturday: Main competitive event spanning 199 kilometers of pure rally action
Mayanja confirmed that over 50 entries are expected, setting the stage for a highly competitive edition.
Among the rally drivers, former Uganda Rally Champion Nassar Mutebi expressed both excitement and caution.
“This rally tests man against machine and the environment. It’s not a simple rally but we have what it takes to win,” Mutebi said.
Backed by his sponsor, Mutebi will compete alongside renowned names, including reigning African Rally Champion Karan Patel.
