The engines are already roaring in Mbarara, but one of the biggest boosts ahead of the 2026 Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally Championship came off the track.
Rubis Energy Uganda on Thursday announced sponsorship of CRS Racing, the Kenyan rally team led by brothers Jasmeet Chana and Ravi Chana, ahead of one of Africa’s toughest rally events.
The announcement was made at Rubis Kakoba in Mbarara as the Chana brothers prepared to take on Uganda’s demanding red-soil stages in their Ford Fiesta Rally2.
CRS Racing arrives in Uganda full of confidence after a strong outing at the WRC Safari Rally, where the team claimed victory in a Kenya National Rally Championship category despite difficult conditions.
Now, the focus shifts to the Pearl Rally, which doubles as a round of the FIA African Rally Championship and the Uganda National Rally Championship.
This year’s edition has attracted a record 65 crews, promising fierce competition across the dusty and unpredictable routes of Mbarara and Kiruhura. Popular stages like Kaguta and Ankole Cow are expected to test both driver and machine.
Rubis Energy Uganda says the partnership reflects values shared by both the company and the rally team endurance, reliability, and performance under pressure.
Speaking during the launch, Rubis Energy Uganda Fuel Sales and Specialties Manager Olivia Nahwera said the sponsorship is about backing proven performers.
“Motorsport is the ultimate test of performance, precision, and resilience,” Nahwera said. “We are proud to support Jasmeet and Ravi Chana as they take on the Pearl of Africa Rally.”
The partnership also builds on support already provided by Rubis Energy Kenya and Castrol, strengthening the brands’ presence in East African motorsport.
As the rally runs from May 7 to May 10, CRS Racing will be among the teams to watch as they chase success on Uganda’s challenging terrain.
