The Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, the second round of the FIA African Rally Championship 2026, is set to attract a star-studded field next month, with Kenya leading the charge with eight top drivers.
The event is scheduled May 7th-10th 2026 in Kampala.
Three Kenyan champions Karan Patel (2022), Jasmeet Chana aka Iceman (2023), and Samman Vohra (2024) will lead the +254 contingent, which also includes reigning ARC3 Champion Nikhil Sachania, trailblazing mother-daughter crew of Tinashe Gatimu and Caroline Gatimu, Evans Kavisi, Aakif Virani, and Joseph Gacheche.
Tinashe and her mum Caroline became the first ever mum and daughter crew to finish the world famous Safari, a feat they have replicated twice.
Tanzania’s “old boy” Ahmed Huwel is back in the saddle, driving a GR Yaris Rally2. Huwel is expected to shake things up, while Rwanda has four representatives, including lady ace Queen Kalimpinya.
Uganda’s Oscar Ntambi is also in contention, looking to build on his strong showing in the Safari Rally Kenya in Naivasha where he finished 5th, leading his country’s charge on the fabled Kenyan fixture.
The 2026 Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally will feature 12 stages covering a competitive mileage of 201.85km, with a total distance of 569.16km, from May 8th to 11th.
Mkwawa Rally of Tanzania winner Karan and Samman are favorites to lead the ARC charge, with Samman finishing second in the continental standings last year. The defending champion, Yasin Nasser, will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing Safari Rally Kenya.
The Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally promises to be a thrilling showdown, with top drivers from across Africa vying for the top spot.
In the Kenyan mix also is ARC3 Champion Nikhil Sachania behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta Rally3. Kenya’s Kavisi in his ‘trusty stead’, a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, Aakif who finished second in the ARC Safari, and youngster Joseph Gacheche in a brand new Škoda Fabia R5 are expected to fly their country’s flag flying in Mbarara.
The Pearl is also part of the KCB Bank Uganda sponsored National Rally Championship (NRC) which recently revved off in Mbale after a six year hiatus.
Queen Kalimpinya in her GVB Subaru, Christian Kanangire in a N12B will lead the Rwandese brigade which also has Eric Gakwaya, in a GVB and Yoto Fabrice who will pilot a Subaru.
ARC STANDINGS AFTER SAFARI RALLY KENYA
- Karan Patel (KEN)
- Aakif Virani (KEN)
- Samman Vohra (KEN)
- Jasmeet Chana (KEN)
- Oscar Ntambi (UG)
2026 FIA ARC CALENDAR
Round 1: WRC Safari Rally Kenya 12 – 15 March
Round 2: Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally – 07 – 10 May
Round 3: Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally – 10 – 12 July
Round 4: Mkwawa Rally of Tanzania – 02 – 04 October
