By Mwambazi Lawrence
Preparations are in high gear as Uganda gets ready to unleash the Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally from 8th to 10th May 2025 in Mbarara. Mechanics are sleeping with their spanners, co-drivers are soon memorizing pace notes like exam candidates, and fans are already claiming the best viewing spots. As the second round of the African Rally Championship (ARC) following the Safari Rally in Kenya, this year’s edition promises more dust and engine noise than your neighbor’s morning alarm. With 10 foreign crews confirmed, it’s safe to say this rally will have more international flavor than a plate of Rolex with chili sauce from three countries!.
Kenya will be rolling deep with six crews, led by the reigning African Rally Champions, Karan Patel and Tauseef Khan, who are bringing their Skoda Fabia R5 and probably a few extra spare parts just in case Mbarara’s roads get too ambitious. The dynamic duo, still shaking off the dust (and heartbreak) from a disappointing Safari Rally, have already submitted their entry with the kind of determination usually reserved for people chasing the last Rolex at a roadside stall. They’re fired up and ready to remind everyone exactly why they wear the crown
Kenya’s national champion Samman Vohra, alongside the ever-composed Drew Sturrock, is set to spice up the line-up in their Skoda Fabia R5. This marks their first event together outside Kenya, and they’re treating it like the beginning of a blockbuster ARC campaign. New terrain, new challenges but same winning ambition. With their helmets strapped and notes in sync, they’re ready to make a statement and prove that their partnership isn’t just for show.
Making their much-anticipated debut in Uganda are Nikhil Sachania and his co-driver Dip Patel, steering their Ford Fiesta R3 into unfamiliar territory and hopefully not into any ditches. The Pearl Rally marks their first shot at ARC points outside Kenya this year, and they’re approaching it with a mix of strategy, speed, and just enough confidence to make the veterans nervous. It’s their first dance on Ugandan gravel, and they’re ready to leave a mark.
Back for another shot at glory are Hamza Anwar and Adnan Din, who turned heads with a podium finish in the 2024 edition third place, but first in style points. With two prior appearances in Uganda under their belts, they practically know the Mbarara corners by nickname. This year, expectations are high, the throttle foot is twitching, and if their pace is anything like last time, the rest of the field better buckle up because these guys aren’t here for sightseeing. They’re here for silverware.
Issa Amwari and Denis Mwenda are gearing up for their first-ever run together in Uganda, and it’s safe to say there’s a lot of excitement in the air mostly from Amwari, who’s new to the Pearl Rally, and possibly from Mwenda, who’s switching seats this time. While Mwenda has tackled the Ugandan terrain before, this year he’s trading in the driver’s seat for the co-driver’s chair, which, let’s be honest, is probably where all the real action happens anyway.
Rookie driver Sameer Nanji is all set to make his international rally debut in a Subaru Impreza N10, and he’s ready to soak up experience like a sponge at a water park. This is his first time competing at the continental level, and while he might still be getting used to the roar of the engine, he’s got his sights set firmly on gaining valuable experience.
Also making their return to the ARC battle are Jasmeet Chana and his brother Ravi Chana, who are out for redemption after a tough outing in the Safari Rally let’s just say their last adventure didn’t exactly go as planned. As the 2023 Kenyan Champions, they’ve got something to prove and a championship to chase. This time, they’re coming in with a renewed focus, a bit more grit, and, hopefully, fewer surprises.
Prince Charles Nyerere of Tanzania is all set to kick off his 2025 ARC campaign in Uganda, and he’s doing it in style behind the wheel of a Mitsubishi Evo X, with his trusty Rwandan co-driver Rutabingwa by his side. Nyerere has been a loyal contender in the ARC over the years, proving that his commitment is as strong as his rally skills. Now, he’s hoping to make a solid impression in Mbarara, where the only thing more powerful than his Evo X is his determination to start the season with a bang and hopefully not a dust cloud in his rearview mirror!
Rwanda’s Adolphe Nishiyimana and Regis Remera, who previously made their mark in the opening round of the Uganda National Rally Championship, are now ready to take on the Pearl Rally. Behind the wheel of a Subaru N10, this crew is looking to keep their momentum going as they continue their journey in the NRC. With a taste for competition already under their belts, they’re ready to tackle the Pearl Rally with the kind of enthusiasm that says, “We came for the points and maybe a little bit of glory too!”
Representing Ethiopia, Rodolfo Valeri Stefano will team up with Ugandan co-driver Hassan Katerega, and together they’ll be tackling the 2WD category in a Toyota FX. This dynamic duo adds even more international flavor to an already diverse field
With just two weeks to go, the Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally 2025 is revving up to be the ultimate thrill ride, packed with top local and international rally crews ready to light up the dirt. This event isn’t just about ARC points; it’s about proving that Uganda’s motorsport scene is on fire and here to stay.
