Today, KCB Bank Uganda officially announced its role as a proud sponsor of the Pearl of Africa Rally Championship with UGX 80m during the launch held at Mestil Hotel in Kampala. The rally will take place from 7th to 9th May 2026 in Mbarara. This sponsorship reflects KCB Bank’s ongoing commitment to nurturing local talent and advancing motorsport in Uganda in collaboration with the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU).
The launch brought together leaders from FMU, enthusiastic rally drivers, dedicated fans, and members of the media. Key highlights of the partnership include KCB Bank Uganda’s support of three exceptional drivers: Mutebi Nasser, Mike Mukula Junior, and Oscar Ntambi, who recently achieved 1st place in the ARC2 category during their debut in the World Rally Championship (WRC).
Dr. Patrick Ogwel, the General Secretary of the National Council of Sports, shared heartfelt gratitude towards the sponsors, “The commitment to sponsoring the Pearl of Africa Rally elevates this event to new heights. It brings communities together, and at the National Council of Sports, we believe that sports can only truly thrive with partnership and collaboration. This kind of partnership is exactly what our athletes need to move from local success to international excellence. We are excited to work with the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) to ensure motor sport remains a source of national pride for years to come.”
Reflecting on the growth of motorsport in Uganda, Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) patron Captain Mike Mukula said, “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the drivers for their dedication to the spirit of competition, and I extend special thanks to KCB Bank Uganda and Shell Vivo for their crucial sponsorship, which is vital for the growth of motorsport. I also urge the Government of Uganda to include motorsport in our national sports agenda to enhance its reach and potential.”
“Moving forward, I encourage our rallies to adopt important themes like environmental sustainability and community health, ensuring our sport serves a greater purpose. Furthermore, having local leaders present at our flag-offs is essential, as their involvement validates the sport, fosters regional pride, and stimulates local economic growth,” he added
Noela Byuma, Head of Marketing and Communications at KCB Bank Uganda, also expressed her enthusiasm for the event, saying, “We are deeply invested in the future of motorsport in Uganda, a commitment we recently reinforced by launching our title sponsorship of the National Rally Championship (NRC). We are proud to sponsor motorsport at both the local and regional levels to drive the sport’s professional growth. Our partnership with FMU has boosted local drivers like our very own Nasser, Oscar, and Mike Mukula Jr., positively impacting our communities. As we head to Mbarara this May, I call upon every fan and supporter to join us at the championship and witness the resilience of our drivers firsthand. We’ve made it much simpler for fans to access tickets; they can now purchase them via KCB Pay at UGX 10,000 by dialling 2449# and entering merchant code 125122.”
Nasser Mutebi, one of the rally drivers sponsored by KCB Bank, said, “It is an immense honour to carry the KCB Bank colours into the Pearl of Africa Rally. This sponsorship is more than just support; it is a responsibility that I take very seriously. I promise to represent the KCB Bank Uganda with the highest level of professionalism on the track. Our preparation has been rigorous, and our mission is clear: we are pushing for the top of the National Rally Championship (NRC) podium.’’
KCB Bank Uganda also emphasized that the thrill of the race should not come at the expense of the environment, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that once the engines fall silent in Mbarara, the landscape remains as green as it was found. Through a range of eco-friendly initiatives, the Bank is taking deliberate steps to promote environmental conservation and advance a more sustainable motorsport culture.
The Bank continues to strengthen its role in the sports sector through long-term investments in motorsport, rugby, golf, and volleyball, focusing on the growth and professionalization of these disciplines. This commitment to local talent is further solidified by the bank’s new role as the title sponsor for the National Rally Championship (NRC). In partnership with the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda, the bank aims to elevate the standard of national rallying and provide a more robust platform for athletes to compete on a world-class stage.
