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MBARARA, UGANDA — The dust has officially been stirred in Western Uganda as the 2026 Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally gets underway today, May 7, 2026. Transforming the streets and rugged terrains of Mbarara and Kiruhura into a high-intensity motorsport battleground, the event marks the second round of both the FIA African Rally Championship (ARC) and the KCB National Rally Championship (NRC).
As the title sponsor, KCB Bank Uganda has positioned itself at the heart of the action, supporting a diverse contingent of drivers from across East Africa. The rally, which runs through Saturday, May 9, is expected to be a grueling test of endurance, speed, and technical skill.
When is the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally 2026?
The Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally is taking place from Thursday, May 7 to Saturday, May 9, 2026. The event kicked off today with a 4.66km qualifying stage and a 3.77km shakedown at the Mwesigwa Resort in Mbarara to determine the starting order. Over the next two days, drivers will navigate 12 grueling stages covering a total competitive distance of 201.85 kilometers. The rally is strategically centered in Mbarara, a region famous for its rolling hills and high-energy motorsport fanbase.
Who are the leading drivers in the Pearl of Africa Rally?
The competition features a star-studded lineup of regional talent. Leading the KCB Bank contingent is Kenya’s Karan Patel and co-driver Tauseef Khan in their Škoda Fabia R5. Patel currently sits at the top of the championship standings with 49 points.
Other key competitors to watch include:
- Oscar Ntambi & Asuman Muhammed (Uganda): Fresh off a historic ARC2 category win during their WRC debut at the Safari Rally in March, driving a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.
- Queen Kalimpinya & Olivier Ngabo (Rwanda): Making her highly anticipated Pearl Rally debut in a Subaru GVB, Kalimpinya is a rising star in the ARC2 contention.
- Nikhil Sachania & Deep Patel: Following a memorable silver-medal performance in the WRC3 category.
- Local favorites: Including Nasser Mutebi (with Steven Bunya) and Mike Mukula Junior (with Edward Kiyingi).
How much has KCB Bank invested in the 2026 National Rally Championship?
KCB Bank Uganda has made a massive commitment to the sport, investing a total of UGX 960 million into the 2026 motorsport season. Of this, UGX 580 million is dedicated to the title sponsorship of the National Rally Championship (NRC), while UGX 380 million is allocated specifically to support the individual KCB-sponsored drivers. According to Noela Byuma, Head of Marketing and Communications at KCB Bank Uganda, this investment aims to provide a platform for local talent to transition into international competitors.
How can I buy tickets for the Pearl of Africa Rally in Mbarara?
Fans looking to witness the action firsthand can easily secure tickets through KCB Pay. Supporters can dial *244*9# and enter the merchant code 125122. Tickets are priced at UGX 10,000, offering an affordable way for the “heartbeat of the sport”—the fans—to experience the high-speed thrills of the ARC and NRC stages.
What is the current standing in the African Rally Championship (ARC)?
As the second round begins, the championship race is tightening. The current leaderboard is as follows:
- Karan Patel: 49 points
- Aakif Virani: 38 points
- Samman Singh Vohra: 37 points
- Jasmeet Chana: 32 points
With 10 strong entries in the ARC2 category alone, including crews like Evans Kavisi/Absalom Aswani and Joseph Gacheche/Sofia Rantasalo, the Mbarara stages are expected to significantly shift these rankings by Saturday evening.
What is the KCB Green Rally initiative?
In a move toward sustainable sports, KCB Bank has reaffirmed its Green Rally initiative. In partnership with the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU), the bank ensures that environmental conservation remains central to the event. The initiative focuses on landscape preservation, ensuring that the Mbarara and Kiruhura terrains remain clean and well-preserved after the roar of the engines has faded.
About KCB Bank Uganda
KCB Bank Uganda is a leading commercial bank licensed by the Bank of Uganda. It operates an extensive network including 16 branches, 21 ATMs, 568 Agents, and 736 Merchant outlets across the country. The bank remains dedicated to driving efficiency and providing innovative financial solutions across Africa.
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