Sodo Returns to Familiar Territory as Pearl of Africa Rally Roars into Mbarara
Kampala, Uganda — April 16, 2025
By Mwambazi Lawrence
The engines are revving, the dust is ready to rise, and all eyes will be on Mbarara from 8th to 10th May 2025 as the much-anticipated Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally kicks off and making headlines ahead of the event is the return of Aine Sodo and his co-driver Asuman Mohammed, ready to battle for glory.
After a long hiatus from competitive motorsport, Sodo made a commendable comeback during the 2024 UMC Independence Rally in Gulu last year, behind the wheel of a newly acquired Mitsubishi Evo X, sourced from Kenya. Despite facing a setback at the season finale in Hoima where he registered a DNF (Did Not Finish), Sodo has shown remarkable resilience and improvement, putting in solid performances throughout the latter part of the season.
This year, Sodo is not just racing for victory he’s racing for Uganda. Backed by Explore Uganda, the tourism promotional arm of the country, Sodo’s rally journey is now part of a broader mission to showcase Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes and unique attractions through motorsport. The Pearl of Africa Rally, one of the biggest motorsport events on the continent, provides the perfect platform.
“This is more than just a rally for me,” Sodo said. “It’s about flying the flag high, not only in motorsport but also in promoting Uganda as a top tourist destination. Explore Uganda has given me the confidence and support I need, and now it’s time to deliver.”
Returning to familiar territory in Mbarara, a region known for its passionate rally fans and technical gravel stages, Sodo will feel right at home. But the competition will be anything but easy. He enters the fray as a contender in the African Rally Championship (ARC), marking his official campaign launch in the continental series.
Lining up alongside Sodo are some of Africa’s finest, including Dr. Moustapha Mukasa, Karan Patel, and Hamza Anwar, all of whom bring vast experience and speed to the stages. The stakes are high, with maximum ARC points on the line, and every driver will be gunning for a strong start to their 2025 season.
Fans can expect high-speed action, daring jumps, and nail-biting moments as Uganda once again hosts this FIA-sanctioned rally. And with Aine Sodo’s return to full throttle, supported by a patriotic push to promote tourism, the 2025 Pearl of Africa Rally promises to be one for the history books.
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