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  • Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally (POAUR 25) officially launched as KCB injects UGX 80m for the event

    Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally (POAUR 25) officially launched as KCB injects UGX 80m for the event

    The 2025 Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally (POAUR) is officially on. This year’s rally doubles as the second round on the African Rally Championship (ARC) and also the third round on the National Rally Championship (NRC) and is due on May 8th to 11th in Mbarara.

    The Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally evolved from the Great Lakes Rally, which was jointly organised by Uganda together with Club Automobile du Burundi in 1997. When Winston Churchill visited Uganda, he baptized the country as the ‘Pearl of Africa’, that is where this event derives its name.

    From all perspectives, the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally has always been one of the most attractive rounds on the African Rally Championship calendar.

    And this year, the championship round will run in the western district of Mbarara. It will be the first time that the ARC round is organised outside central Uganda.

    Mr.Kisitu Mayanja, the Clerk of Course explained the change saying, “We have always desired to showcase our premier event as a reflection of our country; the Pearl of Africa. And we have managed to achieve it with this change. Mbarara has a rich cultural heritage but also wildlife. These are the things we want our fans to enjoy.”

    The POAUR has for long been measured by the number of entries received. Organisers will allow a maximum number of forty-five (45) entries. Besides the local competitors, the event has attracted interest from several leading crews from Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.

    The POAUR round will count towards the FIA African Rally Championship and four (4) other category championships including; the ARC Junior Drivers. Local crews will also vie for the National rally championship, 2WD, Clubman and the three division titles.

    FMU is grateful for the continued partnership with Vivo Energy; who under their flagship brand Shell V-Power are the title sponsors. Hence, the Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Rally.

    KCB Bank Uganda has also partnered with FMU for the POUAR. KCB Bank has consistently been our partner since setting foot in the banking sector in Uganda. The commercial bank is committed to growing its relationship with the Uganda motorsport federation further having supported the POAUR now and before.

    KCB has injected Ugx.80 million for this year’s event

    Sheila Awori KCB Bank’s Acting Head of Marketing said; “We are very privileged to be part of this prestigious event. Our support goes beyond the sponsorship. We want to position ourselves with the sport and the communities we serve.”

    Fans have been urged to use KCBPay *244*9#, to purchase rally tickets. The merchant code is 125122.

    Hon. James Akena, President of the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) said; “As FMU, we pledge to give our sponsors value for money, proper accountability and visibility in what has been very transparent and engaging discussion leading up to this day.

    “This new edition is an invitation to the auspicious part of Uganda. Mbarara is popular for its milk. There will be everything to enjoy there including rally. Overall, safety is our priority for everyone.”

    Other sponsors and partners are: Coca-Cola, Lakeview Resort Hotel, Isuzu Uganda, Fire and Safety Appliances, ROMA Motors (U) Ltd, Nagrc (DB) Farm, Government of Uganda thru (NCS), Uganda Police, UPDF, Hon. Mwesigwa Resort, and others.

    The Stages

    The five (5) stages for the POAUR have been named after the people and culture associated with motorsport and the Ankole region.

    Charles Muhangi stage: Distance: 18.11km, 85% closed
    Named after and in memory of the only Ugandan to win the African rally championship. Muhangi won the ARC in 1999. His family will be present as we honour our fallen hero.

    Kaguta stage: Distance: 23.28km, 100% closed
    Named in honour and recognition of the support to motorsport by the sons of Kaguta (Gen. Saleh, Sodo Aine, Michael Nuwagira aka Toyota).

    Ankole Cow stage: Distance: 19.28km and 100% closed
    Named after the famous Ankole cattle that give Mbarara the name of ‘LAND OF MILK’.

    Moses Lumala stage: Distance 20,29km and 30% closed
    Named after a famous national champion Moses Lumala. Lumala is an inspiration to drivers and the motorsport fraternity.

    Rukaari stage: Distance 6.50km 100% closed

    Named after Hon. Mwesigwa Robert Rukaari, a Member of Parliament for Mbarara city North. Hon.Rukaari has dedicated over 15 acres of land to build a motorsport facility in Mbarara. The same venue will host the first stage of competition, the double circuit and the Shell V-Power stage (last stage of the event)

    All these stages have been carefully designed for the enjoyment of our fans. But more importantly, they have been designed with safety great in mind.

    Fans are urged to follow all the safety precautions as recommendations by the event organisers, the safety marshals, Police and the military.

    A GOOD RALLY IS A SAFE RALLY.

  • 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.

  • Shell V-Power fuels Ronald Sebuguzi participation in the 2021 World Championship Safari Rally

    Shell V-Power fuels Ronald Sebuguzi participation in the 2021 World Championship Safari Rally

    Kampala; Shell V-Power, a premium fuel that cleans and protects engines, whilst giving the ultimate performance benefit, has announced a UGX25 million cash sponsorship towards three-time Uganda National Rally Champion, Ronald Sebuguzi.

    Sebuguzi is one of four rally drivers to qualify for the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally 2021, which will take place in Nairobi, Kenya.

    “I appreciate Ronald and his fellow drivers for the hard work they have continuously put in the game. Shell V-Power is proud to be part of the journey, working with champions like Ronald Sebuguzi. Through this sponsorship, we are fueling his ambitions to represent our country at this prestigious motorsport event,” said Mark Mutungi Fuels Manager, Vivo Energy Uganda.

    The June 24 – 27 event is back on the FIA World Rally Championship calendar after a 19-year absence. It was regarded as one of motorsport’s most prestigious and celebrated events of its time before it departed the series in 2002.

    “I look forward to representing my country at this prestigious motor-sporting event. I am grateful to Shell V-Power for the support that they have offered to me through the years as a professional racer. I have, for the past 10 years, used Shell VPower which has a high-octane level that maximizes the performance of my car making it a road warrior,” Sebuguzi said.

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

    “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, that will be no different,” Mr Mutungi added.