By Venessa Namusabi
Nasser Mutebi (NRC)
Mike Mukula (NRC)
Oscar Ntambi (NRC)
Five crews of which three are Ugandan, will fly the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) flag high during the 2025 Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally.
The three-day event in the western region of Uganda will cover Mbarara and Kiruhura districts is the second round of the Africa Rally Championship and the third round of the national rally championship.
Three drivers that included the 2010 National Rally Champion Nasser Mutebi, Michael Mukula Jr and the Forest Rally Team’s Oscar Ntambi are the drivers unveiled on Tuesday morning at the KCB Bank Head Office at Lohana Towers, Lugogo Bypass as the KCB ambassadors.
The bank’s Managing Director Edgar Byamah, reiterated the bank’s commitment to promoting sports especially motorsport in the country but most especially the young talents.
Of the sh270m sponsorship KCB committed to Motorsport, this year sh80m is to the federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) in the organisation of the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally while rest will go to the three rally drivers.
Byamah said, “The Pearl of Africa Rally is more than just a race. It’s a celebration of skill, endurance, and the resilient spirit of Ugandan motorsport. We are proud to deepen our involvement in this iconic event, reaffirming our commitment to nurturing local talent and promoting Uganda’s potential on the regional and global stage,” Byamah said.”
Sheila Awori, the acting Head of Marketing and Communications at KCB Bank Uganda, noted the banks focus to motorsport.
“At KCB Bank, we believe in bringing our customers closer to the moments that inspire them. We are fueling the dreams of many young Ugandans who see themselves in the sport,” She added.
The two Kenyan crews are reigning Africa champion Karan Patel and Nihkil Sachania.
The event has attracted 52 drivers of which eight including Yasin Nasser and Karan Patel are foreign drivers.
It’s great to see KCB Bank taking such a strong stance in supporting motorsport in Uganda. The Pearl of Africa Rally sounds like an exciting event, showcasing both local and international talent. Nasser Mutebi, Michael Mukula Jr., and Oscar Ntambi seem like perfect ambassadors for KCB, given their experience and achievements. The sh270m sponsorship is a significant investment, and it’s good to hear that a portion is going directly to the FMU and the drivers. Sheila Awori’s point about fueling the dreams of young Ugandans is inspiring—motorsport can indeed be a powerful platform for talent development. Do you think this level of sponsorship will continue to grow in the coming years, and how do you see it impacting the sport in Uganda? The involvement of foreign drivers like Karan Patel adds an interesting dynamic to the event. I’m curious, though, how do you think the local drivers will fare against the international competition? This rally seems like more than just a race; it’s a celebration of Ugandan resilience and skill. What are your thoughts on the potential for motorsport to put Uganda on the global stage?
Thanks for the support
The article seems to be about the 2025 Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, which will feature three Ugandan drivers, including Nasser Mute, Mike Mukula, and Oscar Ntambi. The event will cover Mbarara and Kiruhura districts in western Uganda and is part national racing championship. The bank’s director Edgar Byamah mentioned that the event is a celebration of talent, endurance, and the spirit of Ugandan motor sports. The bank’s commitment to the sport is shown by their $270 million sponsorship commitment, with sh80 million going to the federation of Motor sports Clubs of Uganda (FMU) in the organisation of the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally and the rest going to the three drivers. The event will be attended by 52 drivers including Yasin Nasser, Karan Patel, and Nihkil Sachania.
It’s inspiring to see such a strong focus on nurturing young talent in Ugandan motorsport. The commitment from KCB Bank to sponsor and support the Pearl of Africa Rally is commendable. It’s not just about the race but also about showcasing Uganda’s potential on a global stage. The inclusion of both Ugandan and foreign drivers adds an exciting competitive edge to the event. However, I wonder how this sponsorship will impact the long-term growth of motorsport in Uganda. Will it encourage more young people to take up rallying as a career? Also, how does KCB plan to measure the success of this investment beyond the event itself?
We’ve integrated libersave into our regional voucher system. It’s amazing how seamlessly it brings together various providers on one platform.
This is an exciting development for Ugandan motorsport! It’s great to see KCB Bank stepping up to support local talent and events like the Pearl of Africa Rally. Nasser Mutebi, Michael Mukula Jr., and Oscar Ntambi are fantastic ambassadors for the sport, and their involvement will surely inspire younger drivers. The sponsorship of sh270m is a significant boost, and it’s encouraging to see a portion dedicated to the FMU and the rally itself. Edgar Byamah’s statement about the rally being a celebration of skill and endurance really captures the spirit of the event. Sheila Awori’s emphasis on fueling dreams is also a powerful message for aspiring drivers. I wonder, though, how KCB plans to measure the impact of this sponsorship on the growth of motorsport in Uganda?
We have integrated libersave into our regional voucher system. It’s amazing how easily it allows us to bring together various providers on a single platform.