Government, through the National Council of Sports (NCS), has pledged increased support to the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU).
NCS General Secretary Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel made the remarks at the launch of the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally 2026, scheduled to take place next month in Mbarara.
“FMU is one of our priority sports. If you look at our funding levels, our plan is to increase support every year. At the moment, FMU receives over Sh2bn from government directly as a subvention budget.
“But when it comes to these events, like the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, it requires more funding and that is what we have been discussing. We are looking forward to seeing what government can step in and provide.”
The event is the second leg of the National Rally Championship after the opening event in Mbale in March which was won by Hassan Alwi.
“In terms of enrichment of the sport, our idea is also to support such federations to reach out to the rest of the country. When you are organizing international events like this Pearl of Africa Rally that attracts drivers from across the region, definitely government has to come in.
“By coming here is a testimony and a show of solidarity for the good work being done by the FMU and the entire rally fraternity in Uganda, to show them that government appreciates it.
“We want the history of rally in Uganda to be expounded more, and that is why we are appealing to FMU to ensure that this data from where they have come from is also captured for the nation and everyone, because it helps us to plan and set targets,” he said.
MUST KNOW ABOUT PEARL OF AFRICA RALLY 2026
The 2026 Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally 2026 will run from May 7 to May 9, with competition routes set across Kiruhura District and Mbarara District.
The total route covers 569.16 kilometres, with 201.85 kilometres designated as competitive stages.
The three-day event will flag off on May 8 and is expected to attract a strong regional entry list, including crews from Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, alongside Uganda’s top drivers.
So far, 30 entries have been confirmed, with Uganda fielding 15 crews, Kenya seven, Rwanda three, Tanzania four, and Ethiopia one.
Entries opened on March 16 and will close on April 21, with the official entry list scheduled for release on April 25. Reconnaissance is set for May 5 and 6, followed by scrutineering at Shell Makenke in Mbarara on May 6.
Competitive action begins on May 7 with qualifying and the shakedown stage, before full rally stages on May 8, which will also feature a Super Special Stage at Rukaari.
The final day on May 9 will include the remaining stages before the prize-giving ceremony.
This year’s edition features five major stages, each with cultural and historical significance. These include the Kaguta Stage (23.46km), Ankole Cow Stage (19.02km), Charles Muhangi Stage (18.04km), Mama Stage (21.45km), and Rukaari Stage (6.19km).
Key partners supporting the event include KCB Bank, Shell V-Power, Uganda Tourism Board, National Council of Sports, the Government of Uganda, Uganda Police Force, Uganda People’s Defence Force, the Ministry of Works and Transport, and the Ministry of Agriculture.
Other supporters include Lakeview Resort Hotel, Mwesigwa Rukaari Resorts, Roma Motors – One Stop Bay, and Nivana, among others.
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