With each passing hour, the excitement grows louder as Uganda counts down to the highly anticipated Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally 2026, and across garages, workshops, and service bays, preparations have shifted into full attack mode.
Mechanics are burning the midnight oil, working overnight to fine-tune rally cars that will soon be unleashed on the roads of Mbarara and Kiruhura. Engines are being rebuilt, suspensions adjusted, tyres checked, and every nut and bolt inspected as teams race against time to be battle-ready.
Starting tomorrow, crews will begin their journey west to Mbarara, where they will settle in ahead of reconnaissance, commonly known as recce, where drivers and co-drivers study the stages and prepare pace notes for the battle ahead.
This year’s edition already promises to be one of the most electric in recent memory, with a record number of entries expected to line up for the prestigious event.
The buzz intensified yesterday when foreign crews touched down in Uganda, with several teams proceeding straight to Mityana today for private testing sessions to sharpen speed and confidence before the real action begins.
The rally officially gets underway on Thursday morning with the shakedown session, where ARC crews will have their final chance to test their cars under competitive conditions.
Later in the day, fans will gather for the colorful ceremonial start at Lake View Hotel, where machines, crews, and sponsors will be unveiled in style.
On Friday, the rally shifts into full combat mode with the first complete day of high-speed action across the dusty and technical stages, before the event concludes on Saturday after what is expected to be a fierce contest for victory.
In another major boost for rally fans, organisers this morning released the route map to the public, showing where the stages will pass and giving spectators the opportunity to choose their favourite viewing points early.
With roaring engines, star drivers, international competition, and thousands of fans expected to descend on western Uganda, the Pearl of Africa Rally is once again ready to remind the continent why Uganda remains one of rallying’s most passionate homes.
The event is proudly sponsored by Shell V-Power, KCB Bank, Lake View Hotel, and several other partners committed to driving motorsport forward.
