The 2025 Africa Rally Championship (ARC) is set to mark a major milestone as it heads to Uganda’s Ankole region for the first time since the championship’s inception in 1997.
Scheduled for May 8–10, the event will also serve as the third round of Uganda’s National Rally Championship.
More than 45 drivers from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania are expected to compete across a challenging route that covers 486.26 kilometers, including 199 kilometers of competitive stages and 298.16 kilometers of liaison transport.
The rally will feature five stages, each named after key figures who have made significant contributions to motorsport: Charles Muhangi Stage, Kaguta Stage (23.28 km), Ankole Cow Stage (19.28 km), Moses Lumala Stage (20.29 km), and Rukaari Stage (6.50 km).
Hajji Amidu Gombe, Vice President of the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU), emphasized that the relocation to Ankole aligns with the newly enacted Sports Act.
“The government advises us to run the event in 70% of Uganda’s districts, so we are taking the rally to Mbarara this year. After that, we will continue rotating to other places as required by the new Sports Act,” Gombe said.
The ceremonial start and finish will be held at the Lakeview Resort Hotel in Mbarara, offering a picturesque backdrop in the heart of the Ankole region.
Veteran Ugandan driver Nasser Mutebi is among the competitors aiming for a historic win. No Ugandan has captured the Africa Rally Championship title since Charles Muhangi’s triumph in 1999.
Mutebi expressed optimism about his preparations and determination to bring the continental crown back home.
The event is expected to deliver thrilling action as drivers navigate the demanding stages in pursuit of valuable ARC and National Rally Championship points.
