Katende and Mubiru set stage for fierce MX 125cc rivalry

The MX 125cc category has already signaled it may become the most competitive and captivating class in this year’s Mountain Dew Motocross Championship, following a dramatic season opener in which two riders crossed the finish line simultaneously in back-to-back heats.

Veteran Jeromy Mubiru was pushed to his limits by newcomer Miguel Katende, whose debut in the class immediately marked him as a serious title contender.

Katende claimed victory in one heat, while the pair finished dead-level in the other two, a rare occurrence that underscored the intensity of their rivalry.

Mubiru, who spent last season in the MX 125cc class, entered the year determined to reclaim the crown he lost to Gift Ssebuguzi. But his ambitions now face a formidable challenge from Katende, freshly promoted from MX 85cc, who has already showcased exceptional speed, technical skill, endurance, and tactical intelligence.

The duel electrified spectators, with neither rider willing to yield. The rivalry reached a dramatic climax when the two collided mid-race, sending both to the ground. Remarkably, they remounted and continued, a moment that epitomized the grit and spectacle of motocross and drew rapturous applause from the crowd.

By the close of competition, Katende, riding an MKT 125 (2023), emerged as overall winner with 57 points, while Mubiru, also aboard an MKT 125 (2023), finished a close second on 54 points.

Katende’s Meteoric Rise

Katende’s ascent through the motocross ranks has been nothing short of remarkable. Since entering the sport, he has lost only one championship, the MX50cc Junior crown to William Blick Jr., and has since dominated every category he contested. His achievements include the MX50cc Senior title in 2020, back-to-back MX65cc championships in 2021 and 2022, and the MX85cc crown last season, which he still holds as reigning champion.

Reflecting on his performance, Katende admitted his machine limited him:

“The motorcycle I was riding did not perform to the standard I expected. There were techniques and racing strategies I intended to apply, but the bike did not respond as I had hoped. For the next round, I will be riding a new machine, and I am confident the results will improve. I am fully committed to winning this championship.”\

Mubiru, however, remained defiant: “I am the most experienced rider in this category. I cannot allow younger riders to outpace me. The season is still long, and by the end of it, we will see who truly deserves to be crowned champion.”

Championship Outlook

The season-opening round took place Sunday at Victoria Raceway Park in Garuga, along Entebbe Road, where riders across multiple categories competed for early advantage. The championship features MX50cc Junior, MX50cc Senior, MX65cc, MX85cc, MX125cc, MX2, MX1, MX Masters, and MX Vets classes.

The Mountain Dew Motocross Championship resumes with its second round on March 8 at E-Villas Racing Park in Kalisiizo, Greater Masaka, where the Mubiru–Katende rivalry is expected to intensify further.