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FMU officials and event sponsors launch the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally on Monday
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By Our Reporter
Distinguished Ugandan citizens—both living and departed—will be honoured at this year’s edition of the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally (POAUR), set to take place in Mbarara from May 8 to 11.
The honorees have been recognized for their significant contributions to motorsport in Uganda, with rally stages named after them as a special tribute.
FMU officials and event sponsors launch the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally on Monday
Among those being recognized is the late Charles Muhangi, the 1999 National Rally Championship (NRC) and Africa Rally Championship (ARC) winner. One of the rally stages—an 18.11km section—has been named in his honour, and his family is expected to attend the event.
Also honoured is the late Mzee Amos Kaguta, father of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. A 23.28km rally stage has been named after him in recognition of his family’s long-standing support of motorsport. According to FMU official Said Ali Kakeeto, the Kaguta family has contributed immensely to the sport through rally driver Sodo Aine, Michael Nuwagira (a.k.a. Toyota), Gen. Salim Saleh, and President Museveni himself, whose government has increased funding to motorsport through the National Council of Sports (NCS) to UGX 1.4 billion.
KCB Bank acting Marketing manager Sheila Awori hands a 80m dummy cheque to FMU president Jimmy Akena during the launch of the POAUR on Monday
Another stage—the Rukaari Stage—has been named after Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari, Member of Parliament for Mbarara City North, in appreciation of his contribution of more than 15 acres of land for the Super Special Stage (SSS), a 6.50km circuit. This facility will host both the event's opening SSS and the final Shell V-Power Stage. Former NRC champion Moses Lumala has also been recognized, with a 20.29km stage named in his honour.
In celebration of Ankole heritage, one of the five stages has been named “Ankole Cow,” in tribute to the famous cattle breed that gives Mbarara its nickname—“The Land of Milk.”
“All these stages have been carefully designed for fans’ enjoyment, but more importantly, for their safety. We urge spectators to follow all safety precautions as directed by organisers, marshals, police, and the military,” said Kakeeto.
The event, officially launched on Monday in Kampala, has attracted top drivers from Uganda and Kenya. Defending champion Karan Patel and fellow Kenyan driver Samman Vohra, both in Skoda Fabia R5 cars, will headline the competition.
Ugandan drivers including Ronald Ssebuguzi, Yasin Nasser, Ponsiano Lwakataka, Duncan Mubiru, Yassin Mutebi, and Bairon Rugumayo have also expressed confidence, vowing to challenge the Kenyan contingent.
KCB Bank has sponsored the event with UGX 80 million, alongside other sponsors including Shell V-Power, Mwesigwa Resorts, Lake View Hotel, Uganda Police, and the NCS.
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