Written By |
Rally ace Yassin Nasser being flagged off by Moses Lumala. Nasser is a top contender for the POAUR accolade
Search
By Our Reporter
The rally crews set to compete in this year’s edition of the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally (POAUR) have started arriving in Mbarara, the host city in western Uganda, ahead of the highly anticipated event slated for Friday and Saturday at Mwesigwa Resorts and Sanga. The 52 participating drivers began arriving as early as Sunday for the week-long event, which features a series of preparatory activities leading up to the main competition days.
Aine Sodo in action
Among the notable arrivals are defending champion Karan Patel and his Kenyan counterpart Samman Vohra, both driving Skoda Fabia R5s. They will face off against Uganda’s top contenders, including Duncan Mubiru, Ponsiano Lwakataka, Ronald Ssebuguzi, Yasin Nasser, and Nasser Mutebi.
According to the event program released by the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU), activities began on Monday with the issuance of the road book. On Tuesday, drivers conducted reconnaissance through the rally routes, while today (Wednesday) is scheduled for scrutineering of the rally cars.
Rally ace Yassin Nasser being flagged off by Moses Lumala
Thursday will feature a practice and qualifying run at the Super Special Stage venue at Mwesigwa Resorts, along with the final shake-down ahead of the main competition on Friday and Saturday.
Event manager Kisitu Mayanja confirmed that roads designated for the rally will be closed to the public.
“All these sections are closed, meaning no other motorists will be allowed apart from the rally crews. I anticipate a stiff competition, especially since we are racing on neutral ground,” Mayanja said.
2025 Mbarara rally winner Lwakataka flies his Subaru Impreza N12B along the Biharwe-Sanga section of the Mbarara rally. He is expected to return for the ARC event
The 199-kilometre competition will include five rally sections: the Charles Muhangi section (18.11 km), the Kaguta section (23.28 km), and the Ankole Cow section (19.28 km), all situated within the enclosed NAGRIC farm in Sanga, Kiruhura District.
The Rukaari section will serve as the Super Special Stage (SSS), covering 6.50 km. It will also double as the Shell V-Power Stage, closing the event after the Moses Lumala section (20.29 km).
This marks the first time Mbarara is hosting the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, with all previous editions held in Mukono and Kayunga.
Torch Media Africa
