11/05/2026
KENYA’S KARAN PATEL WINS 2026 PEARL OF AFRICA UGANDA RALLY
By Frank Kaheesi- FMU Media
Two-time African champion seals third Pearl crown as Vohra falls to second, Nasser takes final podium spot.
Mbarara, Sunday 10 May 2026 — Kenya’s Karan Patel and co-driver Tauseef Khan stormed to victory at the 2026 Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, securing the two-time African champions their third Pearl title.
Patel, in a Škoda Fabia R5, took command on Saturday’s Leg 2 after overnight leader and fellow countryman Samman Vohra broke a front driveshaft on SS10 Kaguta 3. In a cruel twist of fate, it was the same stage where Vohra retired last year.
The mechanical issue cost Vohra his commanding lead of over 8 minutes. Patel inherited the lead and went into the final 6.19km Shell V-Power Stage with a cushion of 1 minute 43 seconds.
Vohra, co-driven by Drew sturrock, managed to take only six seconds back from Patel on the Power Stage and had to settle for second overall. Uganda’s Yasin Nasser/Ali Katumba completed the podium in third, leading the home challenge.
“Thanks to the team, Tauseef, and our sponsors. Pearl is always special — the fans, the stages, everything,” Patel said at the finish in Mbarara. “After Vohra’s problem we just had to bring it home. Three wins here now. We’re very happy.”
Meanwhile,one of Uganda's top co-driver, Enock Olinga guides
Tanzania's Randeep Singh in Ford proto to winning the kCB Bank sponsored National Rally Championship category with the best times of two hours seven minutes 02seconds,followed by Yasin Nasser in second place,as Duncan Mubiru 'Kikankane sealed the podium slots.
Next event in block is the KCB NRC3 sent for June in the districts of Masaka and Ssembabule,to be organised by Southern Motor Club.
*2026 PEARL OF AFRICA UGANDA RALLY — PROVISIONAL TOP 3
1. Karan Patel/Tauseef Khan [KEN] — Škoda Fabia R5 02:06:06
2. Samman Vohra/Drew sturrock [KEN] —Škoda Fabia R5 -02:04:44
3. Yasin Nasser/Ali Katumba [UGA] — Ford Fiesta R5-02:08:59
ENDS.
All photos; Innocent Mutaawe
