The 2024 motorsport season has officially started with the season opener of the first round of motocross at the Victoria raceway track at Garuga. Motocross round one was the first competitive event on the 2024 calendar on Saturday, 27 January; the event saw fans come out to support their favorites despite the morning rain that made for a wet, muddy track. The event kicked off at midday with the youngest riders in the 50cc first on track, Israel Mpuga won all three heats in this class and the young lad raced so confidently. Ariella Katende, the youngest sister of Abigail, Jonathan, and Miguel Katende finished in second place overall and won the ladies’ class. Avisha Ellis Laboke finished in third closing out the podium.
As the season starts, some riders move to new classes and there is always the introduction of new riders as well. The class with the biggest number of riders, 65cc, was won by Jonathan Katende; the 2023 champion won all three heats. The youngster is back with his competitive spirit but perhaps his camaraderie and cheerfulness with fellow competitors make him a good sport. His brother Miguel won’t be competing for most of the season, he is in recovery from the injury he suffered last year. Ramathan Mubiru finished in second place overall and Isaac Mitima closed out the top three. Joy Norah Akao led the ladies’ class and Rahmah Nakachwa Kimera was second: they were the only females in that class. Jude Kyle Musede took top honors in the 50cc senior class, winning all three heats; Musede is the 2023 champion in this class and he did not disappoint as the season kicks off. Abigail Katrende finished in second place and also led the ladies’ class. Noel Ssekamwa closed out the podium in third.
Malcolm Gift Ssebuguzi continues to get better and faster, and he is one of the most entertaining riders in motocross, his zeal and competitive nature make him one of the most cheered-on riders and one-to-watch. He upgraded to the MX 125 class and won all three heats. Ssebuguzi is a gifted rider and his journey in motocross is already bright. Ron Young finished in second place and Malcom Omoding closed out the podium in third. Miya Young was the only female in this class making her the lead in the ladies’ class. In the 85cc class, Jerome Mubiru won all three heats, he gave his counterparts a head start in the last heat and came from behind and won that heat. Pascal Kasozi finished in second place and Ethan Jassa Katek closed out the top three.
In the MX 1 class, one of the best riders in motocross and former champion, Maxime Van Pee returned to take part in the season opener even. Maxime’s points were scrapped because he broke the Standing Supplementary Regulations (MX SSRs 5.3.3) as he did not attend the prize-giving ceremony without notice according to the FMU laws. Isma Mukiibi then became the first. They were the only two riders in the class. Waleed Omar took the top spot in the MX 2 class, winning all three heats even after a mishap in at the start gate in the first heat. Omar upgraded from the 125 class and his debut in the MX 2 class was a great start to a new season. Ashi Mbabazi Junior finished in second place and Javans Baliddawa closed out the podium. In the Veterans class, Geoffrey Kayiira won all three heats, Kayiira put on a good show for the fans and led from start to finish. Ashraf Mbabazi finished in second place and Christian Milletti closed the podium in third. The second round of motocross will be on March 01 at the Victoria race track at Garuga.
