KCB Bank injects Shs80M into 2025 Pearl of Africa Rally
David GOMBE
This year’s rally doubles as the second round on the African Rally Championship (ARC) and also the third round on the National Rally Championship (NRC).
The Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally evolved from the Great Lakes Rally, which was jointly organised by Uganda together with Club Automobile du Burundi in 1997. When Winston Churchill visited Uganda, he baptized the country as the ‘Pearl of Africa’, that is where this event derives its name.
From all perspectives, the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally has always been one of the most attractive rounds on the African Rally Championship calendar.
And this year, the championship round will run in the western district of Mbarara. It will be the first time that the ARC round is organised outside central Uganda.
Mr.Kisitu Mayanja, the Clerk of Course explained the change saying, “We have always desired to showcase our premier event as a reflection of our country; the Pearl of Africa. And we have managed to achieve it with this change. Mbarara has a rich cultural heritage but also wildlife. These are the things we want our fans to enjoy.”
The POAUR has for long been measured by the number of entries received. Organisers will allow a maximum number of forty-five (45) entries. Besides the local competitors, the event has attracted interest from several leading crews from Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.
The POAUR round will count towards the FIA African Rally Championship and four (4) other category championships including; the ARC Junior Drivers. Local crews will also vie for the National rally championship, 2WD, Clubman and the three division titles.
FMU is grateful for the continued partnership with Vivo Energy; who under their flagship brand Shell V-Power are the title sponsors. Hence, the Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Rally.
KCB Bank Uganda has also partnered with FMU for the POUAR. KCB Bank has consistently been our partner since setting foot in the banking sector in Uganda. The commercial bank is committed to growing its relationship with the Uganda motorsport federation further having supported the POAUR now and before.
KCB has injected Ugx.80 million for this year’s event.
Sheila Awori KCB Bank’s Acting Head of Marketing said; “We are very privileged to be part of this prestigious event. Our support goes beyond the sponsorship. We want to position ourselves with the sport and the communities we serve.”
Fans have been urged to use KCBPay *244*9#, to purchase rally tickets. The merchant code is 125122.
Hon. James Akena, President of the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) said; “As FMU, we pledge to give our sponsors value for money, proper accountability and visibility in what has been very transparent and engaging discussion leading up to this day.
“This new edition is an invitation to the auspicious part of Uganda. Mbarara is popular for its milk. There will be everything to enjoy there including rally. Overall, safety is our priority for everyone.”
Other sponsors and partners are: Coca-Cola, Lakeview Resort Hotel, Isuzu Uganda, Fire and Safety Appliances, ROMA Motors (U) Ltd, Nagrc (DB) Farm, Government of Uganda thru (NCS), Uganda Police, UPDF, Hon. Mwesigwa Resort, and others.
THE STAGES
The five (5) stages for the POAUR have been named after the people and culture associated with motorsport and the Ankole region.
Charles Muhangi stage: Distance: 18.11km, 85% closed
Named after and in memory of the only Ugandan to win the African rally championship. Muhangi won the ARC in 1999. His family will be present as we honour our fallen hero.
Kaguta stage: Distance: 23.28km, 100% closed
Named in honour and recognition of the support to motorsport by the sons of Kaguta (Gen. Saleh, Sodo Aine, Michael Nuwagira aka Toyota).
Ankole Cow stage: Distance: 19.28km and 100% closed
Named after the famous Ankole cattle that give Mbarara the name of ‘LAND OF MILK’.
Moses Lumala stage: Distance 20,29km and 30% closed
Named after a famous national champion Moses Lumala. Lumala is an inspiration to drivers and the motorsport fraternity.
Rukaari stage: Distance 6.50km 100% closed
Named after Hon. Mwesigwa Robert Rukaari, a Member of Parliament for Mbarara city North. Hon.Rukaari has dedicated over 15 acres of land to build a motorsport facility in Mbarara. The same venue will host the first stage of competition, the double circuit and the Shell V-Power stage (last stage of the event)
All these stages have been carefully designed for the enjoyment of our fans. But more importantly, they have been designed with safety great in mind.
Fans are urged to follow all the safety precautions as recommendations by the event organisers, the safety marshals, Police and the military.