By Mwambazi Lawrence
Jinja, Uganda – Buckle up, rally fans! The countdown is on, with just 10 days left until the rubber meets the road in the highly anticipated Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally. Jas Mangat, Uganda’s fearless rally ace, is gearing up to lead the charge against a horde of international talent, including reigning Africa Rally Champion Karan Patel, who recently unleashed his monstrous Skoda Fabia R5. But Mangat isn’t backing down he’s got the home-field advantage and a reputation for making the roads quake with his presence.
If that’s not enough to get your pulse racing, we’ve got more drivers with speed in their DNA. After a disappointing performance in the SMC Challenge Rally, Ponsiano Lwakataka is back, and he’s out for blood. Sporting a new engine and the attitude of a bull in a china shop, Lwakataka is ready to make his rivals eat his dust. His daredevil antics are so wild that the Luganda saying “zinadda Okunywa” (“it has returned to bite”) seems made just for him.
Also joining the fray is USA-based Abas Sebunya, who’s no stranger to Uganda’s rugged terrain. Partnered with Shameer Yusuf, Sebunya is here to cause mayhem—no terrain is too rough, no hairpin turn too tricky. Meanwhile, Jonas Kansime, the NRC leader, is on a mission to defend his crown, driving alongside Ronald Bukenya in their trusty Mitsubishi Evo8. Kansime has a no-nonsense approach that makes even the bravest competitors tremble.
Speaking of bravery, Jon “the Constant Menace” and Aaron Nsamba, armed with a powerful Ford Fiesta Proto, are set to bring the thunder. This dynamic duo is known for their wild stunts and audacious maneuvers. If you’re looking for high-octane entertainment, they’re your ticket to ride.
Ronald Sebuguzi has had his share of misfortunes in past events, but he’s back with a vengeance. The Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally is his chance to rewrite the script and launch a full-on comeback. Expect fireworks as Sebuguzi tries to reclaim his place among the elite.
As for the underdogs, Dr. Moustapha Mukasa and Mwambazi Lawrence are standing tall after upgrading to a Mitsubishi Evo9. These guys are proving that they can hang with the big boys, even if they are considered long shots. But don’t count them out—they’ve got surprises up their sleeves.
And who could forget the crazy duo of Joshua Muwanguzi and Lwanga Hamza in their rebuilt Subaru Impreza N12? With fresh power under the hood, will they keep it on the road, or will the rally gods have other plans? Only time will tell.
Nasser Mutebi and Steven Bunya, fresh off a win at the SMC Challenge Rally, are coming in hot with the most potent Evo9 in East Africa. If you thought they were here just to participate, think again. These guys are bringing destruction with a capital “D.”
In the 2WD category, the battle is heating up between Ibrahim Lubega Pasuwa, Edward Kirumira, and Samuel Watendwa, each with unfinished business to settle. The CRC category will feature a showdown between rookie Musa Segabwe and Haruna Kataza, both with different cars but equal ambition.
With all this action, you’d be crazy to miss the Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally. It’s going to be fast, it’s going to be furious, and it’s going to be spectacular. So grab your popcorn, bring your earplugs, and get ready to witness the adrenaline-fueled madness as Uganda’s best drivers battle it out against some of the toughest competition from around the globe.
And remember, folks, safety first the organizers are pulling out all the stops to ensure this event is as safe as it is thrilling. So see you in Jinja, where the gravel is hot, the engines are hotter, and the action is hotter still!
