Motor sport took root in Uganda in the early 1950s, when the Coronation Rally (East African Safari Rally) was first run between the 3 East African countries of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Each of the three countries produced its share of successful drivers. Ugandas’ Shekkar Mehta won the Safari 5 times, Satwant Singh was 8 times African Champion and Charles Muhangi was African Champion in 1999. The politically difficult days of Dictator Idi Amin did affect the sport (Shekkar Mehta and Satwant Singh relocated and the Uganda leg of the East African Safari was dropped) but did not dampen the enthusiasm for motorsport. The sport was revived in the 1980s, and over the last 10 years has grown to be one of the most popular sports in the country, competing favourably with football for popularity. During a typical rally, hundreds of fans turn out to support their local stars, creating an equivalent of a local derby and a carnival type atmosphere. Young men and women, clad in fancy wear, will turn up with their partners clearly prepared for a fun day out.

Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of Uganda (FMU):
FMU was formed in 1999, and became affiliated to FIA (sporting) in 2001. Motorsport in Uganda is classified by the authorities as amateur, and is governed under the National Council of Sports Act. The Act clearly bars all amateurs Federations (e.g. FMU) affiliated to it from engaging in commercial activities. The core objectives for FMU are purely sport related, and include,
- Promotion of motor sports in every way it deems fit.
- Control of motor sports in Uganda of land vehicles with 1, 2, 3, 4 or more wheels.
- Prevention of improper methods and / or practises in motor sport, and protection of the   sport from abuses
- Do all other things as are incidental or conducive to the well being and promotion of motor   sport.
In addition, FMU has other social objectives. These include the following:-
- Safety Awareness for all road users
- Social and Environmental Responsibility
Uganda became a member of the FIA in 1996. At Uganda’s request and after FIA’s careful scrutiny, Sporting powers were in 2002 granted to the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of Uganda (FMU), which became the new National Sporting Authority (ASN). FMU organises then FIA sanctioned African Championship Rally (ARC) event, the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally (POAUR), which regularly attracts competitors from South Africa, Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, Belgium and the UK. The event, which is the biggest on the Ugandan Rallying calendar, has in the past been sponsored by major corporates, including Total-Fina, Caltex Oils, Celtel Communications, MTN, La Farge (Hima Cement), Sheraton Hotel, Speke Resort & Country Hotel, Munyonyo, NIC, Kampala Serena Hotel and various Airline companies amongst others.