By Venessa Namusabi
Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Racing Team drivers Karan Patel and Nikhil Sachania have been motivated ahead of the much-anticipated Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Rally in Uganda.
The second round of that continental event that also doubles as the third round of the Uganda National Rally Championship (NRC) starts on Wednesday May 8 – Saturday May 10,2025 in the Uganda districts of Mbarara and Kiruhura.
The four-day continent rally starts on Wednesday with documentation scrutineering, before heading for the Shake Down and qualifying stage on Thursday at the Mwesigwa Rukaari Resort Hotel.
The crews will battle it out in 4.62m distance as they feel the Ugandan gravel on which they will compete.
On Friday morning they hit the 1.6km Mwesigwa Rukari Stage first before heading to the Kaguta I stage (23.28km). The Crews would head for refuelling and then turn their machines to Ankole Cow I stage (19.02km).
They would refuel and then return to Mwesigwa Resort in the 4.5km Super Special stage and thereafter retire for the day after a total of 166.59km of which 52km are competitive distance and 113kms liaison distance.
On Saturday, crews will early morning attack the late Charles Muhangi stage (18.11km). Muhangi is a former Africa Rally Champion 1998 who passed on 2018 in December.
The drivers will then repeat the three stages, Kaguta, Ankole Cow twice before heading for the Shell V-Power stage that will mark the close of Day three of action and the rally.
Reigning Champion Karan Patel despite getting a big boost from sponsors KCB, face stiff opposition Uganda National Rally Championship table leader Ponsiano Lwakataka (Subaru N12), Tanzanian driver Yasin Nasser (Ford Fiesta R5), Shell V-Power fuelled Ronald Sebuguzi (ford proto) who is a three-time National champion and Duncan Mubiru Kikankane driving a ford proto.
However, the men have got a stone to grind in this rally as the two-time National Champion and the only female driver on the Africa Continent Suzan ‘Super Lady Muwonge.
The lady champion has respect for the men, but no fear for them when it comes to stepping the pedal.
“Im back to having fun. I know the men will be flying but for us we are out to enjoy the rally and have fun,” Muwonge who is the director of the St. Francis Junior School Budo said.
Muwonge will be guided by experienced navigator Musa Nsubuga who formerly read pacenotes for Hassan Alwi and Duncan Mubiru.
The Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally is co-sponsored by Fire and Safety,KCB Bank Uganda and Coca Cola.
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