Busoga Masaza Cycling Championships thrill crowds

Residents across the chiefdoms of Bunha, Bunhole-Bunanhumba, Kigulu, and Bukhooli were treated to exhilarating performances as the preliminary races of the MTN-Busoga Masaza Cycling Championships kicked off over the weekend.

Now in its third edition, the competition has drawn cyclists from across the region, all vying for top positions and a place in the grand finale.

On December 21, 2025, Bukhooli chiefdom’s roads came alive with the roar of whirring spokes and cheering crowds. Hundreds of spectators lined the routes to watch the qualifiers, which began at Muterere Trading Centre and passed through Namayingo, Musongola, Nankoma, Butegwa, Makoma, Mayuge-Bukhooli, Kitoda, before returning to Muterere. Busoga Kingdom’s Sports Minister, Owek. Amin Bbosa, flagged off the race.

In the Tippa category, Tiffu Luganda, the 2022 and 2024 overall champion, claimed victory ahead of Brian Ngodobe, James Friday, William Musasizi, and Faizal Were. In the Mountain Sport Bike category, Sam Malinzi emerged winner, followed by Ronald Ogutu, Atanansi Bogere, Musumbuyi Kiiza, and Namudhe Bogere. Luganda and Malinzi, along with other top finishers, qualified for the grand finale.

The Kigulu Chiefdom competition also drew large crowds. Lukumani Kazimingi won the Mountain Sport Bike category, with John Odoto, Silver Muwanguzi, Ibra Mugabo, and Asumani Adebayor completing the top five. In the Tippa category, Ashiraf Magumba took first place, followed by Kenneth Teyebaka, Kyawa Majidu, James Lumbuye, and Moses Ngobi. Kazimingi, Odoto, Muwanguzi, Magumba, Teyebaka, and Majidu all secured qualification for the grand finale.

In Bunha Chiefdom on December 20, 2025, Hussein Kigenyi triumphed in the Tippa category, while Shafik Farmer claimed victory in the Mountain Sport Bike race. Other qualifiers included Meni Kakaire, Japhari Basalirwa, Malik Mapengo, Ivan Maganda, Salaka Yanga, Zevilini Ochwe, Banuli Mukuve, and Brian Waiswa.

Over in Bunhole-Bunanhumba, the competition was equally intense. Yoweri Ilaaka, Ivan Waiswa, and Ronald Wandalo qualified in the Tippa category, while Nelson Lukakamwa, Tegike Kakaire, and Ben Masaba secured spots in the Mountain Sport Bike category.

Busoga Kingdom’s Sports Minister Amin Bbosa presided over the Bunha and Bukhooli competitions, while his deputy Daniel Musota oversaw the Bunhole-Bunanhumba and Kigulu races. Winners in each category received cash prizes: sh100,000 for first place, sh80,000 for second, sh60,000 for third, sh40,000 for fourth, and sh20,000 for fifth.

Bbosa applauded MTN for its continued partnership with the kingdom and confirmed that the top three cyclists in each category have qualified for the grand finale, scheduled for January 3, 2026.