16th V-Power Pearl of Africa Rally
15th -16th August 2014
For 552 kilometers, the adoring rally fans in Uganda will enjoy the Pearl of Africa Uganda rally that sets off mid next month.
Speaking at the official launch of this year’s Pearl of Africa rally, Hans Paulsen, Managing Director at Vivo Energy Uganda stressed a prime principle “Goal Zero”.
“As a distributor of shell lubricants, Vivo Energy is centered alongside 3 prime aspects – no harm to people, assets and environment”, Paulsen remarked.
One of the key aspects speaker after speaker emphasized was safety, safety and yes, safety.
From the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda president, Jack Wavamunno, Clerk of the course (David Bitaalo), Event manager (Geofrey Kihuguru), assistant inspector of police (Andrew Sorowen) to the head of safety team, Hamidu Ggombe, the common factor was having a safe rally.
Motorsport is one of the most adored events on the sporting scene in the country.
In fact, after football, motorsport favorably competes for a slot alongside basketball, rugby, pool, tennis, cricket and athletics.
Truth though, the sport is loved albeit its risky state.
The fans’ passion to cheer the racing cars has always exceeded the protection of life a precious gift for all.
The 16th Pearl of Africa rally, which is marking the 6th edition on the Africa Rally Championships (ARC) will get underway on 15th August 2014.
Keen precaution and protection of life, environment and assets should be given a top priority.
I will be impressed when the planned strategies to ensure a safe rally are adhered to.
Closed Sections:
FMU president, Jack Wavaamunno communicated the creation of a closed section in this year’s rally.
This will be held in the Zion Estate for two sections in Matugga.
“This is a plot project to see how Ugandan rallies can be run on private land, which is much secure”, Wavamuuno remarked after the unfortunate incident in the SMC rally earlier this month.
Satellite Tracking System (STS):
The Satellite tracking system (STS) is a mandatory measure for major rallies in the world as proposed by the world’s rally body (F.I.A).
The good news, this will be available at this year’s event.
Community Policing:
Security and safety of fans is everyone’s responsibility during major rallies. Police, rally fans, drivers, route marshals and stewards are all one unit.
FMU still has to do a lot of community sensitization in these remaining days to the event.
Otherwise, with everything done as expected, your guess is as good as mine, the 16th Pearl of Africa rally will be a complete success.