Rain and Mud Made for a Memorable Armed Forces Motocross Challenge 2022

The Armed Forces Motocross Challenge made its return after being postponed in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and travel restrictions. On its return to the Busiika home ground, the second edition made for a memorable event; held on Sunday, 27 November, 2022, the event was covered with clouds of rain which made for a very muddy track.

Riders of the MX 2 class setting off at the start gate after the rain let up.

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba served as the chief guest and he opened the event with the first riders on the track, MX 1, Venter Dalton dominated the class from the start for both heats (the third heat was cancelled due to the rough terrain). The foreign riders showed technique and resilience as they powered through the track. Christos Tsagaraas came in second place as Uganda’s Aviv Orland finished third.

In the MX 2 class, Kjell Verbrugeen came in first place, Uganda’s Stav Orland came in second and put on a spectacular performance as fans cheered him on, and Ben Almagor placed third. In the Vets class, Elillo Onam battled it out with Asaf Natan and won even though they scored the same points, 37 each. Natan won the first heat and was second in the second heat as Onam was second in the first heat and first in the second one.

Only Ugandans took part in the 125cc class, and it was all about Alon Orland who won both heats and wowed fans with his navigation of slippery wet corners and high jumps. Milton Akaki held his own in second place and Waleed Omar came in third.

85cc African champion, Gift Tabula Ssebuguzi went head-to-head with his counterparts and finished in second place behind Tal Ovadia. Ssebuguzi’s competitiveness came in handy and was met with applause as he completed the event. Krediah Nsubuga closed out the top three.

Another category dominated by Ugandans solely was the MX 65cc (they only competed in one heat due to the muddy grounds that were tough on the young ones), Liam Ntale took first place, Ally Kimera in second, and Jassa Ethan Katek in third. All podium finishers were given cash prizes and trophies, Ntale received one million Uganda shillings, Kimera received seven hundred thousand shillings and Katek received four hundred thousand shillings. 50cc class and peewee did not compete.

The Armed forces challenge was launched to show appreciation to the members in the security organs of Uganda and they were seen moving around the grounds taking in the event as it unfolded. There was an air show as well and riders that took part in paratrooping. At the close of the event, there was entertainment for all those that attended and a dinner.