KCB Bank Uganda has announced a UGX 80 million sponsorship deal for the 2025 edition of the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, strengthening its partnership with the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU).
The event, scheduled for 9–11 May, marks a significant shift in Uganda’s motorsport calendar as it moves to Mbarara for the first time. The rally will serve as both the second round of the African Rally Championship (ARC) and the third round of the National Rally Championship (NRC).
Speaking at the launch, Sheila Awori, Acting Head of Marketing at KCB Bank Uganda, described the rally as more than just a sporting event.
“We are very privileged to be part of this prestigious event,” she said. “Our support goes beyond the sponsorship. We want to position ourselves with the sport and the communities we serve.”
In a bid to make the event more accessible to fans, KCB has introduced a mobile ticketing platform. Supporters can now purchase rally tickets via KCB Pay by dialling *244*9# using merchant code 125122.
FMU President James Akena welcomed the bank’s continued support, pledging accountability and visibility for all sponsors.
“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,” he said.
The Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally—named after Winston Churchill’s famed description of Uganda—has been a staple of the African rallying scene since its evolution from the Great Lakes Rally in 1997. This year’s edition breaks new ground, becoming the first ARC round to be staged outside central Uganda since the sport’s early days in the 1960s.
Clerk of Course Kisitu Mayanja said the relocation reflects the organisers’ vision to showcase the diversity of Uganda.
“We’ve always wanted this event to reflect our country—the Pearl of Africa. Mbarara, with its rich cultural heritage and wildlife, offers an ideal setting,” he said.
FMU General Secretary Reynolds Kibira cited logistical difficulties in previous host districts, particularly Jinja and Buikwe, as a factor behind the move.
“Rising costs linked to sugarcane transportation disruptions made Mbarara the more viable option,” he explained.
The rally continues to enjoy strong corporate backing, with Shell V-Power returning as title sponsor. Other partners include Coca-Cola, Lakeview Resort Hotel, Isuzu Uganda, Fire and Safety Appliances, ROMA Motors, and Uganda’s Ministry of Sports through the National Council of Sports. Security and logistical support will be provided by Uganda Police and the UPDF.
With the rally set against the scenic backdrop of western Uganda, organisers are optimistic the event will blend motorsport with tourism—drawing fans both locally and beyond the continent.
