The second round of the national motocross in Uganda certainly lived up to the hype, held at the Victoria Raceway Park in Garuga on Sunday, March 6 2022, the show did not disappoint.
The show kicked off early morning with the 50cc juniors and seniors category first on the track; Filbert Muwonge kept his lead from the previous round and came out lead in all heats collecting a full 60points. Holding his own in second place was Ethan James Blick, and Jamairah Makumbi in third. Faith Angel Deedan came in fourth and Abdul Malik Wagaba in fifth. This meant that Jamairah was the first in the females’ category, a spot she has held firmly. There was a real fight for the top spot in the MX 85cc with the return of Ron Young, but Jerome Mubiru held his own and defended the number one spot coming out lead. Mubarak Ssenoga Mayanja came in second place and in close third was Ron Young, who returned after healing from an injury that put him out of competing last season. The only female in the class was Shamillah Kateete who came in fourth place and Sudaice Mubiru-a new rider came in fifth. The fight between Mubiru and Mayanja had the fans cheering and it was one of the most entertaining classes of the day.
The class with the most riders in the competition and the most upbeat fans is the MX 65cc, and it didn’t disappoint at all. Miguel Katende put on a stellar performance and in the last heat even stopped and waved! As he became the only rider to overlap rider number two, his speed and growth keep showing and he surely has lived up to the high standards he has set. Collecting all 60points in his class, Miguel is shaping up to be a true contender for the FIM Africa scheduled for later this year in August. Jonathan Katende, Miguel’s brother, came in second place also putting on a wonderful performance and securing the top two spots for the family. From the Ntale brothers, Liam Ntale came in third place after he suffered a fall in the second heat. Ally Kimera was fourth, Jayden George Blick was fifth and the other Ntale brother, Lionelle was sixth. Zion Wekesa did not compete as he is nursing a broken foot injury. This class keeps getting better and had a total of 11riders, the most out of all classes.
The speed was at its peak in the MX1&2 categories, but Alestair Arthur Blick did not come to play. He defended his number one position fiercely in the MX1 class and wiped out the competition with full sixty points. Abdul Damba came in second. Ssemambo Mustafa had issues with his bike and in the last heat suffered an injury and did not finish. Back from his injury ready to go, was Kylan Wekesa, flying high and putting on a show; he took the lead in the MX2 class and was truly on form. The only female in the class, Sharifah Kateete came in second place, showing improvement and growth. Newcomer Junior Mahad scored third place, a great start for him in the class. Ashim Sserwada was doing good but scored a DNF in the last heat as his bike suffered technical difficulties, coming in fourth place. Jjingo Robert was fifth. New riders Jordan Mert and Kagwa Fred tried their hand but had some issues with the bikes and came in sixth and seventh.
In the last classes on the track were MX125, Vets, and Masters. In the 125cc, Apollo Obote Akena came out swinging, leaving nothing behind, and finishing first place in all heats. He raced with his grandfather as these classes were combined together, it was a treat seeing them battle it out on the track. Daryl Muhindo came in second place, a good place finish for the rider on return. The “flying Dutch man” as he is commonly referenced, Tony Benders came in third place after being overpowered by Muhindo for that second place. Shadia Kateete, also the only female in this class came in overall fourth place, Trevor Kugonza in fifth and Jordan Mukiibi in sixth. The most decorated rider, Arthur Blick Jr. came in first place and is still holding onto that first place fiercely. Andrea Marinelli came in second and the only veteran female rider Rose Deedan Turinawe came in third. The honorable Jimmy Akena took the lead in the masters’ class and Joseph Mwangala came in second. As a show for what’s going to happen in Jinja, the rally drivers gave a glimpse with a circuit race after the event was over. As drivers like Oscar Ntambi battled Fred Busulwa, Najib Ssempijja battled Kayira Faizal. It is always good to see veteran riders on track. The next round of motocross is scheduled for April, Easter weekend.
