Former national rally champion Mutebi Nasser has joined the KCB Rally Team, marking a significant boost to the outfit’s ambitions ahead of the 2025 Pearl of Africa Rally Championship. The move was announced on Tuesday at a press briefing held at the KCB Bank Uganda head office in Kampala.
The signing positions Nasser alongside returning KCB drivers Michael George Mukula Jr. and Oscar Ntambi as the bank intensifies its presence in Uganda’s motorsport arena.
In a show of deepening investment in the sport, KCB Bank Uganda confirmed a sponsorship package worth UGX 270 million to support this year’s rally campaign. Of this, UGX 80 million will go to the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) to aid event logistics and preparations, while UGX 167 million will fund KCB’s driver lineup.
“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,” said Edgar Byamah, Managing Director of KCB Bank Uganda.
“We’re proud to reaffirm our support, not only for the rally itself but for the athletes and fans who make it such a powerful showcase of local talent.”
Set to take place in Mbarara City from 9 to 11 May 2025, this year’s edition of the Pearl of Africa Rally will span 11 sections across a total distance of 486.26 kilometres. Notably, it marks the first time the Africa Rally Championship (ARC) round will be held outside central Uganda, a move welcomed by organisers and fans eager for a fresh challenge.
Acting Head of Marketing and Communications, Sheila Awori, said the bank is also working to bring fans closer to the action.
“This year, we’re making it easier for supporters to join in the excitement through KCBPay,” she said.
“By dialling *244*9#, rally enthusiasts can purchase tickets quickly and securely, staying connected to a sport that inspires so many.”
Driver Michael George Mukula Jr., who will once again don the KCB colours, expressed appreciation for the bank’s ongoing support.
“We’re honoured to be backed by a brand that truly believes in Ugandan motorsport,” Mukula said.
“This kind of commitment gives us the confidence to push harder and aim higher.”
Beyond Uganda, KCB’s sponsorship footprint extends regionally. The bank is also backing top Kenyan drivers Karan Patel and Nikhil Sachania, underscoring its pan-African approach to developing motorsport.
The Pearl of Africa Rally remains one of Uganda’s most prestigious motorsport events, attracting elite drivers from across the country and the region. For fans and competitors alike, the 2025 edition promises fast-paced action and fierce competition — with KCB Bank Uganda firmly at the wheel.
