It’s the kind of news that hits Ugandan rally fans like a rev limiter in overdrive. Jas Mangat, the crown jewel of Uganda’s motorsport scene might be missing from this year’s Pearl of Africa Rally. For many, this thought is as jarring as sipping a fizzy drink without sugar, unsatisfying, and just not right.
With two Pearl Rally wins and a consistent presence on the podium, Mangat has long been Uganda’s brightest hope in the continental rally scene. His i20 had become a familiar blur on the dusty stages, and with Africa’s best routinely descending on Uganda for the prestigious event, Jas has been the one to watch and the one to beat.
However, recent news received at the Hapasport desk suggests a different narrative this time. A trusted source claims Mangat may have shipped his i20 out of the country, perhaps back to Europe, and possibly in search of more power.
During the Hoima and Gulu rallies last year, Jas openly expressed frustrations with his car’s performance, hinting that the champion machine just wasn’t delivering the punch he needed.
Could this be a tactical move for upgrades? Or a quiet exit from the 2025 edition of the Pearl Rally?
Mangat’s potential absence echoes back to 2016 and 2017—the only years he missed the event in recent history.
If history repeats itself, the stage is wide open for Uganda’s other top guns: Duncan Mubiru, Yasin Nasser, Ponsiano Lwakataka, Ronald Ssebuguzi, Mukula, and John Consta are all primed to seize the spotlight.
Each one has shown the grit to fend off foreign challengers in the past, with moments of local glory etched into the rally’s rugged legacy.
And now, the big question looms—will Jas show up with his famous beast, the Evo X, or will he truly sit this one out?
The engines may be silent on that for now, but rally fans can be rest assured that Hapasport will be right there to bring every twist, turn, and turbocharged update.
Until then, buckle up. The Pearl Rally 2025 promises fireworks with or without Jas Mangat.
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