With the 2025 Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally set to take place from May 9 to 11 in Mbarara, the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) has outlined a comprehensive safety plan aimed at ensuring the well-being of all participants and spectators.
Speaking on NBS Sport’s Breakfast Meeting, FMU General Secretary Reynolds Kibira stated that car inspections would commence on Wednesday as part of the rally’s pre-event checks.
“We’ll begin by checking the cars to make sure they are in top condition,” Kibira said. “We’re inspecting everything—from the roll cage to the overall body structure to confirm they meet the required safety standards.”
Kibira also revealed that this year’s inspections will be overseen by international experts from the FIA.
“This time around, the people checking the cars and the routes are not even us, the Ugandans. The FIA has sent professionals who will go through the stages to make sure they are safe for both the competitors and the spectators,” he explained.
Beyond technical checks, FMU is also focusing on crowd safety.
Designated spectator areas have been identified, and the federation is urging all fans and officials to adhere strictly to safety instructions.
“We want to strictly ask all spectators and even the officials who are not on duty to stay within the designated spectator areas,” Kibira said. “Please listen to the guidance given by our marshals and safety officials. Motorsport is not an event unless it is safe.”
This year marks the first time Mbarara will host the rally, taking over from Jinja, which had hosted the event for the past two years.
