Rally fans are ready for the second trip to Mbarara this year as the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally makes a significant shift in hosting area.
This event has been hosted in Jinja for the past two years. However, 2025 marks the beginning of a new chapter as Mbarara takes the reins for the first time. It is scheduled to take place in May 8th to 10th as it will deliver an unforgettable experience for fans and competitors.
For motorsport fans in Mbarara, the news could be more exciting as POAUR doubles as the second round of the African Rally Championship (ARC) and the third round of the National Rally Championship (NRC).
This transition signals not only a geographic shift but also an opportunity to showcase Mbarara’s unique terrain and rallying culture on an international platform.
As part of the African Rally Championship, the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally attracts top-tier talent from across the continent. It’s a golden opportunity for local drivers to test their speed against international competitors on home soil. This year’s shift to Mbarara provides a fresh playing field, with its scenic yet challenging routes poised to deliver a rallying experience like no other.
The 2024 edition was won by Kenyan Karan Patel after a thrilling battle with Uganda Jas Mangat and Yasin Nasser plus fellow countrymen, Hamza Anwar. This time round, he will be here in search for the first ARC points after registering a DNF in Kenya last month.
As the rally heads to Mbarara, expectations are sky-high. Fans are curious to see how the new setting will challenge drivers, both local and foreign, and how it will impact the championship standings both NRC and ARC with a reputation for delivering unpredictable twists and non-stop action.
