By Venessa Namusabi
With 10 days to the shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) is sh80m rich.
Hon. Jimmy Akena led Federation walked home smiling after the Kenya Commercial Bank Uganda (KCB) on April 28,2025 committed sh80m to the 2025 continental event.
The event which is the second round of the Africa Rally Championship is due May 8-10,2025 in the western region of Uganda covering the districtd of Mbarara and Kiruhura.
This year’s sponsorship for the three-day event has a sh5m increment from last year’s package of sh75m.
Unlike the previous events this year’s event is more commercial and only one stage called ‘Lumula stage’ will be accessed free of charge by fans.
All the other stages including the Qualifying and Super Special stage at Rukari Resort will be accessed after payment.
A fan will just have to buy fuel at Shell Fuel Stations and get a code or receipt as proof of payment. Or transact by buying tickets via KCB pay code of *244*9# and will be able to access all the stages using that proof of supporting the sponsors.
“We want this sponsorship to be felt. That is why we are putting mechanism of making sure that we both benefit in this partnership,” Saed Kakeeto the FMU executive member said.
The Bank’s Head of Marketing and Communications Sheila Awori assured FMU of the bank’s Commitment to support the sport in Uganda.
This year’s Pearl of Africa Uganda rally has attracted atotal of 38 crews of which eight are foreign Crews.
The 38 crews include;
1.Sameer Nanji / Suraj Pala – Subaru Impreza N10 (KEN)
2.Issa Amwari / Denis Mwenda – Mitsubishi EVO X (KEN)
3.Samman Vohra/ Drew Sturock-Skoda Fabia R5 (KEN)
4.Yasin Nasser/ Ali Katumba- Ford Fiesta R5 (TZD)
5.Karan Patel / Tauseef Khan – Skoda Fabia R5 (KEN)
6.Rodolfo Valeri Stefano / Hassan Katerega – Toyota corolla (Ethiopia)
7.Hamza Anwar / Adinan Din – Mitsubishi EVO X (KEN)
8.Nikhil Sachania / Deep Patel – Ford Fiesta R3 (KEN)
Ugandans:
9.Abas Mayinja / Geoffrey Serwoga (Subaru N8 (UG)
10.Henry Maseruka / Phineas Mungufeni –(Runx)
11.Odeon Tumwebaze / Hussein Mukuye – Toyota Alteza (UG)
12.Nasser Mutebi / Steven Bunya – Mitsubishi EVO X (UG)
13.Ommo Francis / Emaru Jimmy – Mitsubishi Evo 4 (UG)
14.Samuel Bwette / Lwanga Hamza – Subaru Impreza N14 (UG)
15.Walter Kibande / Duncan Katumba – Subaru GC8 (UG)
16.Amir Kavuma / Kenneth Kavuma – Subaru WRX (UG)
17.Faizal Kayira / Hakim Kamoga – Subaru GC8 (UG)
18.Issa Nyanzi / Co-driver TBC – Subaru Impreza (UG)
19.Denis Bahizi / Unnisan Bakunda – Subaru Impreza N12 (UG)
20.Julius Semambo / Jafari Lukenge – Toyota Sprinter (UG)
21.Michael Mukula Jr / Siraj Kyambadde – Subaru Impreza N14 (UG)
22.Prince Charles Nyereere / Rutabingwa – Mitsubishi EVO X
23.Adolphe Nishiyimana / Regis Remers – Subaru Impreza N10 (UG)
24.Kevin Bebeto / Mwambazi Lawrence – Subaru Impreza N10 (UG)
25.Samuel Watendwa / Alvin Luyimbazi – Toyota FX (UG)
26.Dr. Moustapha Mukasa / Omar Mayanja – Mitsubishi EVO 9 (UG)
27.Musa Ssegaabwe / Mathias Kiyega – Mitsubishi EVO 9 (UG)
28.Peter Kalule / David Mwesigwa – Subaru XV (UG)
29.Ronald Ssebuguzi / Anthony Mugambwa – Ford Fiesta Proto (UG)
30.Isaac Sozzi / Mariam Nambasa – Subaru Impreza N12 (UG)
31.Ahmeed Kateete / Morgan Serugga – Subaru GC8 (UG)
32.John Consta/ Bashiel Mbogo- Ford Fiesta proto (UG)
33.Duncan Mubiru/ Joseph Kamya- Ford Fiesta proto (UG)
34.Fred busulwa/ Mildred Kibuka- Mitsubishi EvoX
35.Ibrahim Lubega// Eric Senono- Toyota FX
36.Rashid makumbi/ Urban Mulindwa- Mitsubishi EvoX
37.Aine Sodo /Asuman Mohammed-EvoX (UG)
38.Oscar Ntambi/Another -Subaru N10 (UG)
END.
It’s great to see such a significant sponsorship boost for the Uganda Rally, especially with KCB Uganda stepping up. However, making most stages paid access might limit the fan experience. Do you think this commercial approach will help grow the sport locally, or could it discourage casual spectators? The inclusion of foreign crews adds excitement, but will local teams get enough exposure to compete at that level? *244*9# for tickets seems convenient, but what about fans without access to digital payment methods? The “Lumula stage” being free is a nice touch, but does it balance out the paid access elsewhere? Overall, the event sounds promising, but I wonder if the focus on commercialization might overshadow the spirit of rallying. What do you think?
The Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally seems to be shaping up to be an exciting event this year, especially with the increased commercial focus and the new payment mechanisms for accessing the stages. It’s interesting to see how the FMU and KCB are working together to ensure mutual benefits from this partnership. The inclusion of foreign crews adds an international flavor to the competition, which could enhance its appeal and competitiveness. However, I wonder if the new payment requirements might deter some local fans from attending, especially those who might not be able to afford the tickets. Do you think this commercial approach will ultimately help grow the sport in Uganda, or could it risk alienating some of its traditional supporters? Also, how do you see the future of rallying in Uganda evolving with these changes? I’m curious to hear your thoughts on whether these measures will really help the sport in the long run.