The 2026 Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally has been officially launched, ushering in anticipation for one of the region’s premier motorsport spectacles set to roar through Western Uganda next month.
The unveiling ceremony, held on Wednesday, April 15 at Mestil Hotel, also confirmed renewed backing from KCB Bank Uganda, who have committed UGX 80 million towards the event—reinforcing their continued support for the growth of motorsport in the country.
Scheduled for May 7–9, the rally will be staged across Kiruhura and Mbarara districts, covering a total distance of 569.16 kilometres, of which 201.85 kilometres will be competitive.
Organisers have designed a demanding yet scenic route that blends technical precision with endurance, promising a stern test for both drivers and machines.
Entries for the rally opened on March 16 and will close on April 21, with the official entry list set for publication on April 25.
Preparatory activities will begin with reconnaissance (recce) on May 5–6, followed by scrutineering at Shell Makenke in Mbarara on May 6.
Competitive action will commence on May 7 with qualifying and the shakedown stage, before the rally intensifies on May 8 with multiple stages and a Super Special Stage circuit at Rukaari.
The final leg on May 9 will feature additional stages before culminating in the prize-giving ceremony.
A strong regional field is already taking shape, with 30 entries confirmed so far—15 from Uganda, alongside seven from Kenya, three from Rwanda, four from Tanzania, and one from Ethiopia—highlighting the rally’s growing international appeal.
The 2026 edition will feature five key stages, each carrying symbolic significance.
The Kaguta Stage (23.46km) honours the First Family’s contribution to motorsport; the Ankole Cow Stage (19.02km) reflects the cultural heritage of Mbarara; and the Charles Muhangi Stage (18.04km) pays tribute to the late rally icon and 1999 African Rally Championship winner.
The Mama Stage (21.45km) commemorates the late mother of champion Moses Lumala, while the Rukaari Stage (6.19km) recognises Hon. Mwesigwa Rukaari’s role in developing the track at his Mbarara-based resort.
The rally’s successful organisation is underpinned by a broad coalition of partners, including Shell V-Power, Uganda Tourism Board, Lakeview Resort Hotel, Mwesigwa Rukaari Resorts, Roma Motors – One Stop Bay, NCS, the Government of Uganda, the Uganda People’s Defence Force, the Uganda Police Force, the Ministry of Works and Transport Uganda, the Ministry of Agriculture Uganda, and Nivana.
With logistical preparations gathering pace and entries still open, the stage is set for a thrilling edition of the Pearl Rally—one that promises not only high-speed action, but also a celebration of Uganda’s sporting and cultural landscape.
