By UMOSPOC Media
Just like the biblical days, Manna fell on April 15th,2026 at Mestil Hotel in Kampala bringing smiles on the Pearl of Africa Uganda rally organisers’ faces.
On April 15th ,2026 KCB Uganda unveiled sh80m towards the organisation of the Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Rally that is set to be held in the districts of Kiruhura and Mbarara in the land where milk flows.
This boost gave the 2026 Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda rally clerk of the Course Kisitu Mayanja confidence that his event is in the right direction and will be successful.
Mayanja, added that the event which doubles as both the second round of the Africa Rally Championship (ARC) and the third round of the National Rally Championship (NRC)will have both smooth and rough stages making it more exciting and gruelling for the competitors.
The continental event on May 7-9,2026 in the capital of the Western part of the country, Mbarara City for the second-year running will cover a total distance of 569.16km of which 201.85km Competitive.
Kisitu said that battle ground is set and as organisers are only waiting for what the drivers will showcase in an event that saw KCB bank Uganda commit sh80m to the continental event.
“We are ready with my team for the event. The route is done and it is a mixture of both rough and smooth,” Mayanja said.
“At the moment we have 29 crews that have confirmed participation with 15from Uganda, Kenya (7), Rwanda (3) and Tanzania (4).
Entries will close on Tuesday April 21st,2026 and publication will be on Saturday April 25,2026,” He added.
A five Stage battle:
KAGUTA STAGE (23.46km): The stage is named in recognition of the First family members contribution towards Motorsport activities in the country.
ANKOLA COW STAGE (19.02Km): It is named in the promotion of the local Heritage which is cattle keeping that is the leading and traditional livestock in the region.
CHARLES MUHANGI STAGE (18.04): The stage is named in memory of the late Charles Muhangi who was the first native Ugandan to win the Continental championship in 1999.
MAAMA STAGE (21.45km): This is a stage named in memory of late mother of rally legend Moses Lumala who passed on last year.
RUKAARI STAGE (6.19km): This is in appreciation of Hon Mwesigwa Rukaari’s contribution to the sport in the region and offering his Track at Mwesigwa Resort in Mbarara.
The launch of the event co-sponsored by Shell V-Power, KCB Bank, UTB, Uganda Ministry of Works, Police UPDF, Nivana, Ministry of Agriculture, Lakeview Resort Hotel, Roma Motors, NCS and Uganda Government was presided over by National Council of Sports General Secretary Dr. Patrick Bernard Ogwel.
Dr. Ogwel Lauded the leadership of FMU for the promotion of the sport and assured the government commitment to to support motorsport in the country.
The FMU Patron Capt. Mike Mukula urged the corporate brands to emulate Shell and KCB to support motorsport because it drives the economy.
ARC Standings after Round I
1.Karan Patel (KE) 49pts
2.Aakif Virani (KE) 38pts
3.Samman Singh Vohra (KE) 37pts
4.Jasmeet Chana (KE) 32pts
5.Oscar Ntambi (UG) 26pts
6.Nikhil Sachania (KE) 23pts
7.Naveen Pulligilla (INDIA) 20pts
8.Harpreet Singh Bhogal (KE) 18pts
9.Christian Kanangire (RW) 14pts
10.Yasin Nasser (T🇿) 11pts
Rally program:
-Recce on (May 5th -6th,2026).
– Scrutineering at Shell Makenke (Wednesday 6th,2026).
– Qualifications and Shakedown on (Thursday May 7th, 2026).
-Stages and SSS (Circuit) at Rukaari Resort (Friday May 8th, 2026).
-Stages on Saturday and Prize giving ending (Saturday May 9th,2026).
END.
