Umar Dauda is set to make a return to competitive rallying at the 2025 Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally after a year-long absence from the sport.
The Fort Portal-based driver will be competing in a newly built Mitsubishi Evo X, which he completed ahead of this year’s National Rally Championship round in Mbarara.
Dauda last featured in the 2023 Fort Portal Rally, where he registered a DNF (Did Not Finish). He was forced to sit out the entire 2024 season due to mechanical and logistical setbacks.
“We have been off the scene, but we used the time to prepare something better. The car is now ready and we are excited to be back,” Dauda said.
He will be navigated by Steven Bunya, a long-time co-driver with whom he previously competed in an Evo 6.
Their return adds to a growing list of Ugandan drivers confirmed for the 2025 Pearl Rally, which is the third round of the FIA African Rally Championship and a key event on the national calendar.
This year’s rally will be hosted in Mbarara from May 9–11.
