The National Motocross Championship season first round at the Victoria raceway park-Garuga had fans cheering and riders setting the pace for the season. All roads headed to the race way park at Garuga in Entebbe for the first round of the national motocross championship, 29 January 2023.
Fans were looking forward to an action-packed round one and riders did not disappoint; the 50CC junior and senior class were first on the sunny, hot, and dusty track. There were a lot more riders than the previous seasons, mainly because the Motocross Association of Uganda (MAU) joined its counterparts in the Federation of Motorsport clubs of Uganda (FMU), so all riders will take part in all the events together. Jude Kyle Musede won the first heat and ultimately scored first place at the end of the day after coming in first again in the second heat and third in the last one; he scored 55 points. Noel Ssekamwa came in second place with 52 points and with one of the best supporters, Jamairah Makumbi finished in third. In the junior class, Solomon Winyi finished in first place, Hellena Birungi Ainomugisha placed second, and Jay Katek finished third.
Coming in ready to defend his 65cc championship title, Miguel Katende dominated throughout, winning all heats as he put on a great performance for the fans. His brother, Jonathan Katende finished second and Isaac Mitima closed out the podium in third. Kenyan guest rider Kigen Mutuma competed in this class and finished sixth overall. Filbert Lawrence Muwonge graduated to the 65cc class and placed ninth overall.
The 85cc reigning African champion, Gift Tabula Ssebuguzi keeps showing why holds that title, he won all three heats and will put on a good show with Jerome Mubiru for the 85cc championship this year. Mubiru came in second place behind Ssebuguzi. Ron Young came in third on the heels of Mubiru. Ron Young keeps getting better from his experience in the CAC, he will be a contender for the championship this year as well. Zion Isaiah Wekesa graduated to the 85cc class alongside Liam Ntale and it will be
The MX 1 & 2 classes competed together and a true legend in his own right, Asaf Natan showed the youngsters his prowess winning all heats in the MX 1 class. Natan is one of Uganda’s greatest motocross riders and with his vast knowledge in the sport, he is an asset to the motocross society. Ashim Sserwadda came in second place and Fatuh Kiggundu placed third. Ugandan team captain and reigning MX 1 champion, Alestair Arthur Blick did not compete in this round due to a personal issue but will hopefully take part in round two scheduled for later this year in March. The MX 2 class had only two competitors in Wazir Ali Omar a brother to Waleed Ali Omar; Wazir won the all heats but gave fans a show racing with Asaf Natan. Mahad Jr. was second. Kylan Wekesa did not compete as he is recovering from a knee injury but will hopefully be okay to defend his MX 2 championship title later in March.
Other riders that did not take part in this round were the Kateete siblings-Sharifah, Shadiah, and Shamirah, Fortune Ssentamu, and the Orland brothers.
Later in the evening, there was a fan sprint run and Yasin Nasser in his R5 did the best time of 2:45. Nasser Mutebi was second with 3:14, Edson Mungyereza was third with 3:22, and Andrew Musoke was fourth with 3:22, and Godfrey Kiyimba was fifth with 3:33. Drivers are getting set for the Mbarara rally coming up soon in February.
The next round of motocross is scheduled for March and will be organized by the Southern Motor Club (SMC) in Kalisiizo.
