The 2026 Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally has officially roared into action in Mbarara, with top regional drivers battling for supremacy in one of Africa’s most anticipated motorsport competitions.
Running from May 7 to 9, the high-octane rally has transformed Mbarara into a motorsport hotspot as drivers compete in the second round of both the African Rally Championship (ARC) and the KCB National Rally Championship (NRC).
As the title sponsor of the NRC, KCB Bank Uganda has intensified its support for rally drivers from Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, positioning itself at the center of East Africa’s growing motorsport industry.
Leading the KCB-backed lineup is championship leader Karan Patel alongside co-driver Tauseef Khan in a powerful Škoda Fabia R5. Other standout drivers include Rwanda’s Queen Kalimpinya, Nasser Mutebi, Mike Mukula Junior, and Oscar Ntambi, who recently secured victory in the ARC2 category during his World Rally Championship debut.
Patel enters the Mbarara showdown atop the standings with 49 points, ahead of Aakif Virani, Samman Singh Vohra, and Jasmeet Chana, highlighting the fierce competition expected throughout the weekend.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Noela Byuma, Head of Marketing and Communications at KCB Bank, said the bank’s sponsorship is focused on elevating local talent onto the international stage.
“At KCB Bank, we believe the true heartbeat of sports lies in partnership. By supporting these drivers, we are helping them transition from local favourites to international competitors,” she said.
The bank has also simplified ticket access through KCB Pay, allowing fans to purchase rally tickets for UGX10,000 via mobile payment platforms.
Drivers say the competition this year is expected to be tougher due to the technical nature of the Mbarara terrain.
“Psychologically, I am fully prepared, and the car is in optimal condition,” Patel said ahead of the opening stages.
Meanwhile, Ntambi credited KCB Bank’s continued sponsorship for helping local drivers compete at elite continental level.
Beyond competition, KCB Bank reaffirmed its Green Rally initiative in partnership with the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda, aimed at promoting environmental conservation and keeping rally routes clean after the event.