Egesa inspires Butembe cyclists to victory

Mountain Bike

Michael Lobo

Paul Lumuria

Tippa Bike

Dominic Mugoda

John Bosco Onzima

Former national team cyclist Asuman Egesa may have retired from competitive racing, but his influence continues to shape Busoga cycling.

His coaching skills were on full display as two brothers, trained under his guidance, dominated the mountain bike category at Butembe's final qualifiers on Sunday.

Competing against 14 other cyclists, the One More Child cycling duo kept pace with each other throughout the 52km race. Michael Lobo ultimately crossed the finish line first, clocking 1 hour, 28 minutes, and 28 seconds in a dramatic finish that left spectators guessing the winner. 

The race, flagged off at Gabula Road in Jinja town by Busoga Kingdom’s minister of sports Amin Nkono Bbosa and MTN Uganda's head of sales for Busoga region Dennis Harindimana, covered a challenging route through Buwenda, Budondo, Mutai, Wakitaka, Buwekula, Wanyange, and Wairaka.

Lobo credited his coach for the victory, saying, “My coach Asuman Egesa is my real true model who inspired me and my brother a lot to win this race. Now that I have won today, no one can stop me from winning in the finals.”

Egesa expressed his delight at seeing his trainees excel, saying their qualification was a testament to their dedication.

Meanwhile, Dominic Mugoda emerged victorious in the Tippa bike category and attributed his triumph to his physical endurance. 

“I am a bicycle mechanic, so winning this race inspired me a lot because of my fitness levels that were high. I believe I can finish in the top five positions in the finals,” he said. Mugoda will be joined in the finals by John Bosco Onzima as Butembe’s representative in the Tippa bike category.

Meet race standards

During the prize-giving ceremony, Busoga Cycling Association vice chairperson Adam Abdallah, who also serves as Butembe’s team coordinator, advised the finalists to ensure they have helmets and standard bicycles for the upcoming competition.

MTN Uganda’s head of sales for the Eastern Region, Dennis Harindimana, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Busoga Kingdom activities as long as customers continue to engage with MTN’s services.

Meanwhile, Busoga Cycling Association Chairperson Wilson Mugoya issued a stern warning to boda boda riders against interfering with the race. He assured participants that security personnel would be deployed to prevent obstruction tactics during the finals.

Finalists set

Butembe’s qualifier was the last of ten held over a two-week campaign, registering 44 riders who will compete in the finals. Representatives will come from the following chiefdoms:

Bulamogi: Yazid Kisambira, Daniel Nabikamba (Tippa); Amos Mukisa, Bernard Baluwa (Mountain)

Kigulu: John Odoto, Lukuman Kazimingi (Mountain); Magidu Kyawa, Paul Steven (Tippa)

Busiki: Bosco Bazaale, Amis Mwiisi (Mountain); Salim Nabongo, Denis Mutabuza (Tippa)

Bugabula: Wycliffe Bamutazze, Rogers Byansi (Mountain); Joseph Ssebowa, Yassin Mugula (Tippa)

Bukono: Isiko Waisswa, Rasco Munyangala (Mountain); Latif Klusein, Yusuf Rembo (Tippa)

Luuka: Andrew Musitwa, Rashid Mulondo (Tippa); Mensuramu Magemeso, Muslim Kiwanuka (Mountain)

Bunhole-Bunhanumba: Nelson Lukakamwa, Ben Masaba (Mountain); Tiff Luganda, Sam Malinzi (Tippa)

Bugweri: Aji Kasadha, Umar Isabirye (Mountain); Bosco Ntaganda, Living Kasango (Tippa)

With the stage set for the finals, all eyes will be on these riders as they battle for top honours in Busoga's biggest cycling event.