For Uganda-born, South Africa-based rally driver Kyembe “Dust” Dan, the road to the Pearl of
Africa Uganda Rally has always been a long and hopeful one. Since his early days behind the
wheel of a Subaru N12 and later an N14 in the WOMZA South African Regional Championship,
Kyembe has carried a burning desire to compete on home soil in one of the continent’s most
prestigious motorsport events.
Yet once again, that dream remains just out of reach.
Despite what he believed were early and promising preparations, Kyembe has confirmed he
will not participate in the 2025 Pearl Rally, scheduled for May 9–11 in Kampala. His high hopes
were dashed after delays in tuning his Hyundai i20 Proto made it impossible to ready the car
in time. Logistical challenges in transporting the vehicle from South Africa to East Africa
further sealed his fate.
Due to the delay of the mapper, we cannot make it to the Pearl Rally next week. But I still have hope to do the rally in my motherland Uganda.
A figure well loved in the rally scene for both his skills and sportsmanship, Kyembe ended his
statement with a heartfelt message to fellow competitors and fans: “Good luck to all drivers,
and to the rally fans—just be careful. Don’t drink and drive.“, said Kyembe.
Though the dream is deferred, it is far from dead. And if there’s one thing Kyembe “Dust” Dan
has proven time and again, it’s that persistence on the gravel is just as important as speed.
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