The motocross calendar for 2023 ended on Sunday, 19 November at the Victoria Raceway Track in Garuga, Entebbe with the eighth round being the last round to close out the season. Riders came out to defend their places on the standings and secure their victories for this season.
Jonathan Katende defended the top spot in the MX 65 class coming out as the 2023 champion with a total of 418 points; Jonathan won all three heats in this eighth round and was cheered on by fans as we weaved through the track. As he celebrates being the 65CC champion for this year, the youngster will take on the bike number one in the 2024 season. Ethan Paul Musede finished in second place and Isaac Mitima in third to close out the podium for the day. Mitima finished third for this season with 281 points. Miguel Katende, Jonathan’s brother, was second overall in the 65 class with 300 points. Miguel did not compete in the 65-cc class this round, he competed in the 85 cc class but unfortunately suffered an accident and did not finish the last heat of the day. He is very consistent and competitive and the next season will surely be interesting and fun for the fans.
In the 85cc category, Malcom Gift Tabula dominated all three heats as he has done in all MX rounds from round one to the last one. He is still the reigning MX 85 cc champion with a total of 480 points. Tabula, who is one of the most competitive and entertaining riders, gave his fellow competitors a head-start and still came out on top. His career in motocross has been spectacular and it will be interesting to see what the future holds in store for him. Ron Young finished the event in second place and the season in third with 334 points; he has had a good season, competing in all eight rounds and the Enduro challenge. Jerome Mubiru completed his season in second place with 380 points, he has stayed consistent and committed and it has shown through his growth and confidence while on track.
Jude Kyle Musede won all three heats in the MX 50 class and also is this season’s champion with 469 points, Musede, who is relatively new in motocross, has been a dominant force in this class winning rounds 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and this eighth one. Jamairah Makumbi finished in second place with 410 points but she is still the reigning champion of the 50 cc ladies’ class. Makumbi has been a great representative for girls in motocross and she is a force to be reckoned with as she extends her journey and grows. Elie Mitima finished in third place for the day but is fifth overall for the season. Faith Deedan Angel closed out the season’s podium in third with 290 points.
In the MX 50 Junior class, Hellena Birungi Ainomugisha won both the general class and the ladies’ class, she is also the champion for this season. The podium’s top two was dominated by females as Janani Makumbi finished in second with 331 points, and Alba Muwanguzi closed out in third.
Apollo Milton Obote Akaki was crowned the MX 125 champion, he won three rounds out of the eight (MX 3, 6, & 8). Akaki is the only rider in the 125 class that competed in all eight rounds. Apollo Milton Obote Akena was second for the event behind his brother but finished the season in seventh place. Waleed Omar placed second behind Akaki this season with 283 points, and Jeremiah Mawanda closed out the top three with 262 points. Miya Young, Ron Young’s sister, won the ladies’ class with 100 points.
The MX 1 class champion was Isma Mukiibi, closing the season with 318 points, Fatuh Kiggundu came in second with 309 points, and Ashim Serwadda closed out the top three with 275 points. Jordan Mukiibi is the MX 2 champion with 304 points, Sharifah Kateete, the only female in this class, finished overall second with 199 points, and Wazir Ali Omar placed third with 167n points. The Masters class only had one competitor, James Michael Akena, who automatically wins that championship. Geoffrey Kayiira took top honors in the Veterans class with 334 points, and in second place is the late Juncture George Sserugunda with 259 points. Closing out the top three is Andrea Marinelli with 257 points. Rose Deedan Turinawe was the only female in the class hence taking the championship in the ladies’ class.
The next motocross season will begin late January, 2024.
