Cyclists shine in Busoga Masaza preliminary races ahead of 2026 Grand Finale
The races determined who would advance to the eagerly awaited grand finale scheduled for January 3, 2026.
PHOTOS: Donald Kiirya
Cyclists from the chiefdoms of Luuka, Bulamogi, Butembe, Bugabula, Bukono, Busiki, and Bugweri showcased impressive talent during the preliminary rounds of the 3rd edition of the MTN–Busoga Masaza Cycling Competition, held in December 2025.
The races determined who would advance to the eagerly awaited grand finale scheduled for January 3, 2026.
In Butembe chiefdom, the contest unfolded under dramatic conditions. While riders elsewhere battled dust, Butembe’s cyclists braved heavy rain and muddy roads in Jinja Northern Division on December 23, demonstrating resilience and determination.
This year’s championship, now a staple in Busoga Kingdom’s sports calendar, was organized by the Kingdom’s Sports Ministry led by Owek. Amin Bbosa under the theme “Mobilising Men to Fight Teenage Pregnancy, Early Marriages, School Dropouts and Poverty out of Busoga.” The program is implemented through Kyabazinga Initiatives.
The Butembe race attracted both seasoned riders and newcomers, navigating rugged terrain through Budondo community. In the Tippa category, Dominic Mugooda triumphed ahead of Henry Wanduuba, Jude Nsuube, and Samuel Wasajja. In the Mountain Sport Bike category, Micheal Lobo emerged winner, followed by Augustine Kapio, Muzamiru Wavamuno, Abraham Anyakun, and Edirisa Kibombo. All six qualified for the grand finale.
Bugabula chiefdom drew large crowds, with Wycliffe Bamutaze winning the Mountain Sport Bike category. Mathias Kimbugwe, Dauda Badigaye, Derrick Ikooba, and Rogers Kalulu completed the top five. In the Tippa category, Alex Wakibi claimed victory, followed by Yasin Mugura, Ayubu Mulondo, Wilson Rwigare, and Umaru Maganda. All six secured qualification.
In Luuka on December 22, Mensulamu Magemeso won the Mountain Sport Bike category, while Andrew Musitwa topped the Tippa race. Other qualifiers included Muslim Kiwanuka, Lawrence Muwereza, Junior Nassan, and Micheal Kawoma.
Bulamogi produced qualifiers Akim Dakasi, Younger Sadam, and Latifu Isabirye in the Mountain Sport Bike category, while Robert Naika, Daniel Nabikamba, and Amos Mukisa advanced in the Tippa category.
On December 24, Bukono, Busiki, and Bugweri hosted intense races. Bukono’s qualifiers included Mulongo Waiswa, Isma Omunyelupa, Falasiko Munyangala, Cosma Kibulaku, Wilson Wadambisya, and Malesi Mugalya. Bugweri produced Hajji Kasadha, Rajawe Mutengu, Tonny Mwesigwa, Livingstone Kasango, Paul Tazindula, and Derrick Kiirya.
Across three days of racing, cyclists thrilled spectators with speed, skill, and determination, drawing cheers and ululations from crowds lining the routes. Winners such as Mulongo, Kibulaku, Bamutaze, and Wakibi pledged to intensify training ahead of the grand finale.
Preliminary winners received cash prizes: Shs100,000 for first place, Shs80,000 for second, Shs60,000 for third, Shs40,000 for fourth, and Shs20,000 for fifth.
Busoga Kingdom’s Sports Minister urged riders to prioritize safety by using genuine cycling gear such as helmets and gloves to avoid disqualification. He confirmed that overall winners in each category will receive brand-new motorcycles, Shs2 million for second place, Shs1 million for third, Shs500,000 for fourth, and Shs300,000 for fifth. Participants outside the top five will receive Shs50,000 as a token of appreciation.