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Tag: Pearl of Africa Rally

  • KCB Bank adds star Mutebi Nasser to their exciting roster for the 2025 Pearl of Africa Rally

    KCB Bank adds star Mutebi Nasser to their exciting roster for the 2025 Pearl of Africa Rally

    KCB commits Ugx 270 million towards the 2025 Pearl of Africa Rally

    Kampala: KCB Bank Uganda Limited has today unveiled Mutebi Nasser as the latest addition to their team ahead of the 2025 Pearl of Africa Rally Championship slated for May 8th to 11th in Mbarara. The announcement was made during a press event held at the KCB Bank Head Office at Lohana Towers, Lugogo Bypass, where KCB reaffirmed its support for its already stellar lineup of drivers, including Michael George Mukula Jr. and Oscar Ntambi, to strengthen their push for victory in this year’s campaign.

    At the same event, KCB Bank reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the sports sector in Uganda by announcing a sponsorship of UGX 270 million towards the 2025 Pearl of Africa Rally.

    Of this sponsorship, 80 million Uganda shillings will go to the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) to facilitate preparations and logistics, while 167 million Uganda shillings will support the sponsored drivers.
    Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Managing Director KCB Bank Uganda, Edgar Byamah, accentuated the bank’s vision of fostering excellence in Ugandan sports.

    “The Pearl of Africa Rally is more than just a race — it’s a celebration of skill, endurance, and the resilient spirit of Ugandan motorsport. We are proud to deepen our involvement in this iconic event, reaffirming our commitment to nurturing local talent and promoting Uganda’s potential on the regional and global stage,” Byamah said.”

    Sheila Awori, Acting Head of Marketing and Communications at KCB Bank Uganda, said: “At KCB Bank, we believe in bringing our customers closer to the moments that inspire them. Through our continued support for the Pearl of Africa Rally and our talented drivers, we are fueling the dreams of many young Ugandans who see themselves in the sport. This year, we are also making it easier for fans to be part of the excitement by enabling rally ticket purchases through KCBPay. By simply dialing *244*9#, fans can secure their spot at the heart of the action quickly and safely. Motorsport is about speed, precision, and passion — the same values that drive us as a bank every day. We believe that we are well represented and will come out victorious.”

    On behalf of the KCB rally drivers, Michael George Mukula shared his appreciation, saying, “We are honored to represent KCB Bank once again this year. Their support motivates us to focus on excellent performance, knowing that we have the full backing of a partner that believes in the growth of Ugandan motorsport.”

    At the regional level, KCB will also sponsor celebrated drivers Karan Patel and Nikhil Sachania from Kenya, highlighting the Bank’s pan-African commitment to motorsport.

    The Pearl of Africa rally, organized by the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU), is the country’s premier rallying event and will see Uganda’s top drivers battle it out for national glory.

  • KCB Bank Uganda Announces Shs. 80 million Sponsorship for the 2023 Pearl of Africa Rally

    KCB Bank Uganda Announces Shs. 80 million Sponsorship for the 2023 Pearl of Africa Rally

    Kampala: KCB Bank Uganda has announced its sponsorship of Shs. 80 million for the upcoming Pearl of Africa Motor Rally, one of the biggest sporting events on Africa’s motorsport calendar.

    The announcement was made on Wednesday during a press conference held at KCB Bank Head offices in Kampala.

    The Pearl of Africa Rally, the 4th African Rally Championship which is also the National Rally Championship is organized by the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda and will take place from 5th – 7th May 2023, in parts of Jinja, Kakira, Source of the Nile, Bujagali and Kamuli road.

    It is expected to attract motorsport enthusiasts, officials, international media and competitors from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, Zambia, Ivory coast, and South Africa.

    Speaking about the bank’s sponsorship, KCB Bank Uganda Head of Marketing and Communications, Diana Komukama Ssempebwa said, “I am happy to announce that KCB Bank is contributing towards the Pearl of Africa rally, one of the most exciting and prestigious sports events on the African motorsports’ calendar.”

    “KCB Bank has, for many years supported sports and other people centric initiatives that uplift communities in our country and the East African region. We believe that this sport has a unique way of bringing people together and fostering unity. As such, we saw an opportunity to partner with the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda to host the exciting Pearl of Africa Rally as a Co-sponsor.”

    In a bid to promote local sport in Uganda, KCB Bank is also sponsoring two highly talented Ugandan rally drivers; Oscar Ntambi and Micheal George Mukula Jr. I want to encourage everyone to come out in large numbers and support the rally. Let us make this year’s event a success,” Komukama concluded.

    Speaking at the press conference, Dipu Ruparelia, President of FMU said “we appreciate our continued partnership with KCB Bank for these years and together, we hope to develop motorsport in Uganda.”

    The KCB Pearl of Africa Motor Rally is an annual event that has been hosted for over a decade, attracting drivers and spectators from all over East Africa and the rest of the world. The rally is also a significant boost to Uganda’s tourism industry, with spectators and participants visiting various parts of the country.

  • Vivo Energy announces UGX250 Million sponsorship towards the 2022 Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally

    Vivo Energy announces UGX250 Million sponsorship towards the 2022 Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally

    Kampala: Vivo Energy has today announced a sponsorship of UGX250 million towards this year’s annual Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, slated for 6 to 8 May.

    “Globally, Shell V-Power, the premium performance fuel is one of the greatest supporters of motorsport.

    (Left-Right) Gen. Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works & Transport, Johan Grobbelaar, Managing Director, Vivo Energy Uganda, together with Dipu Ruparelia, President for the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) President and Leila Mayanja General Secretary FMU unveil the official logo for the 2022 Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally during the sponsorship announcement ceremony at Shell Bugolobi

    Shell V-Power has been tested and proven to enhance performance on the race track and has existing partnerships with F1’s Scuderia Ferrari, BMW motorsport and the Moto GP Ducati technical teams.

    Uganda is no different. Building on the support extended to the sport for the last 10 years, we are pleased to once again provide this sponsorship that will enable the return of the annual rally to the sporting calendar.” said Johan Grobbelaar, Managing Director, Vivo Energy Uganda.

    (Left-Right) Johan Grobbelaar, Managing Director, Vivo Energy Uganda hands over a dummy cheque worth UGX 250 million to Dipu Ruparelia, President for the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) President and Leila Mayanja, General Secretary FMU as a contribution towards this the 2022 Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally

    The Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Rally Uganda is one of the main motorsport events in Uganda. It is part of the National Rally Championship and the FIA African Rally Championship.

    While speaking at the sponsorship announcement, Dipu Ruparelia, President of the Federation of Motorsport Clubs Uganda thanked Vivo Energy Uganda, and the Shell V-Power brand, for its continued support towards motoring events, and contribution to the growth of the sport in Uganda.

    Ruparelia added: “This is our first rally following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic and we look forward to welcoming both the drivers and fans back. We intend to deliver a successful event and preparations are already underway.”

    In Uganda, Shell V-Power has a long-standing history of supporting and contributing to the growth of racing through sponsorships of rallying events that include the National Rally Championships and Pearl of Africa Rally.

    Shell V-Power has also contributed towards nurturing the growth of rallying talent by extending support to drivers, namely Arthur Blick, Ronald Sebuguzi, Omar Mayanja and Umar Kakyama.

    “We are aware that there have been concerns over safety following the yellow card issued by the FIA on this rally. Part of our support to this rally will go towards enhancing safety at the rally. At Vivo Energy Uganda, safety is our key priority and an integral part of our business. We will do whatever is within our means to support FMU to enhance the safety protocols at the rally,” Grobbelaar added.

    “I am grateful to Vivo Energy for its support for the 2022 Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Rally. I look forward to a successful event,” Arthur Blick said.

    Shell V-Power is a premium fuel that was developed in an innovation partnership with Scuderia Ferrari.

    The partnership with Ferrari means that Shell V-Power has been tested and used under extreme conditions on the race track. The Ferrari team in Formula 1 continues to choose and use this fuel.

    “We reiterate our commitment to growing rallying and racing as a sport in Uganda through offering support to both the drivers and the sporting events. This year’s rally will definitely be one to look out for,” Moses Kebba, Marketing Manager, Vivo Energy Uganda said.

  • Hima Cement inks Shs84 million pact with Pearl Rally

    Hima Cement inks Shs84 million pact with Pearl Rally

    Sponsorship to also include road safety campaign

    Hima Cement Ltd, has today announced a USD25, 000 (Ush84million) sponsorship of the 2016 edition of the prestigious Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally slated for September 16 – 18, 2016.

    Speaking during a press briefing convened to relay the announcement, Mr. Allan Ssemakula, the Hima Cement Marketing Director disclosed that the contribution will also go towards implementation of a Road Safety Awareness Campaign conducted with the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda’s (FMU).

    Allan Ssemakula (C), the Hima Cement Marketing Director hands over a dummy cheque to Dusman Okee, the FMU President during the Pearl of Africa Rally Press Briefing
    Allan Ssemakula (C), the Hima Cement Marketing Director hands over a dummy cheque to Dusman Okee, the FMU President during the Pearl of Africa Rally Press Briefing

    “Hima Cement is an organization that is keen on road safety. Now that we are sponsoring rally, a prestigious sport which both directly and indirectly influences behavior on the road, we thought it wise to have a stand on road safety alongside our sponsorship. The campaign will run until the end of the year,” Ssemakula said.

    Adding: “We are proud to support FMU which has a longstanding tradition of carrying out road safety campaigns in partnership with the Uganda Police and Ministry of Works; most recently on Masaka Road; which is one of the areas of concern for the whole country. Hima Cement is glad to partner with FMU in this regard because Health and Safety, on and off the road, is a core value of our organization.”

    Hima Cement Limited is the sponsor of rally driver, Ambrose Byona also known as ‘Omunyetto’. Byona in his Mitsubishi Evo 9 and navigator, Derrick Lubambula will be taking part in the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally 2016. Hima Cement has also in the past sponsored legendary rally ace, Chipper Adams.

    Ambrose Byona and Derrick Lubambula, the navigator pose next to their Hima Cement sponsored Mitsubishi Evo 9 during the Pearl Rally Press Conference
    Ambrose Byona and Derrick Lubambula, the navigator pose next to their Hima Cement sponsored Mitsubishi Evo 9 during the Pearl Rally Press Conference

    Mr. Dusman Okee, the FMU President lauded Hima Cement’s timely contribution saying that road safety was one of the aspects of the sport that the federation was looking at strengthening.

    Ambrose Byona (L) the Hima Cement sponsored driver welcomes Dusman Okee, the FMU President to the Pearl of Africa Rally Press briefing
    Ambrose Byona (L) the Hima Cement sponsored driver welcomes Dusman Okee, the FMU President to the Pearl of Africa Rally Press briefing

    “We are happy that Hima Cement has come on board to support not only the rally (Pearl of Africa Rally) but also FMU’s road safety campaign. As you may know, Uganda is ranked in the top ten countries in the world with the highest number of road accidents; most of them attributed to over speeding and reckless driving. We have taken it upon ourselves to sensitize road users on proper driver etiquette; for drivers to check their vehicles before every journey, to have enough rest, plan their journeys and take regular breaks, to wear seatbelts, lookout for other road users and most importantly not to over-speed. This contribution from Hima Cement and their expertise in Road safety will help us in taking the road safety message even further,” Okee stated.

    (L-R) Ambrose Byona, Allan Ssemakula, the Hima Cement Marketing Director and Derick Lubambula pose for a group photo during the Pearl Rally Press briefing
    (L-R) Ambrose Byona, Allan Ssemakula, the Hima Cement Marketing Director and Derick Lubambula pose for a group photo during the Pearl Rally Press briefing

    He added that FMU was happy that companies such as Hima Cement had agreed to bolster the image of the Pearl of Africa Rally; a move he said would help the event regain its past glory as one of the best organized events on the continent.

    The Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally is one of the main motorsport events in the country. It is part of the National Rally Championship and the FIA African Rally Championship (ARC).

    During the 2015 edition of the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, Hima Cement injected Ush20 million into the event. The cement maker has been part of the sport for many years having been the title sponsor of the Pearl of Africa Rally between 2000 and 2004.