BY PRISCILLA SARAH NAKIMBUGWE
As of today, Thursday, May 8, 2025, the highly anticipated Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally is set to commence tomorrow with a super special stage, May 8, 2025, in Mbarara. The rally will serve as the second round of the African Rally Championship (ARC) and the third round of the National Rally Championship (NRC) .
Fred Kitaka Busulwa, a rally driver from Uganda, has made headlines ahead of this year’s rally by publicly vowing to secure a spot on the NRC podium. In a statement captured on camera, he declared his commitment to finishing among the top three. To underscore his determination, Kitaka entered into a written agreement witnessed by several prominent figures in the Ugandan rally community.
The witnesses included Hajji Abdul Kateete, Jonas Kansiime, Hakim Mawanda, Herbert Mukiibi (also known as Herbie Addict), and Boaz Mushabe (known as Boaz Sunshine). The agreement stipulated that if Kitaka failed to finish on the podium, he would receive ten strokes with a banda (a traditional Ugandan whip). In solidarity, fellow rally driver John Burrows pledged to take five strokes on Kitaka’s behalf if he did not achieve the desired result.
The rally is expected to feature a mix of local and international competitors, all vying for top honors on Mbarara’s challenging terrain. With the event just a day away, all eyes will be on Kitaka to see if he can live up to his bold promise and make a significant impact in this year’s rally.
For more information and updates on the rally, you can visit our official page Pearl sports ug website.
