Kyabazinga launches second edition of MTN Busoga Masaza Cycling race

An electrifying atmosphere filled the Busoga Kingdom headquarters in Bugembe, Jinja, on Friday as the Kyabazinga of Busoga officially launched the second edition of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cycling Race.

During the launch, the Prime Minister of Busoga Kingdom, Muvawala Nsekere, expressed excitement over MTN Uganda’s continued commitment to events that have strengthened the Kyabazinga’s efforts to unite the Basoga.

"As Busoga Kingdom, we thank MTN Uganda for maintaining a strong partnership with us. We understand that high risks bring high returns," said Muvawala.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of fair play, announcing that the technical committee would collaborate with the police during the qualifiers and finals to prevent misconduct by bodaboda cyclists.

"In the past, bodaboda cyclists have been caught riding alongside participants to favor their own. We have instructed the police to intervene, and anyone found engaging in such acts will be disqualified," he warned.

Muvawala highlighted that the second edition is themed “Basadha Nempango”, meaning "Men are the pillars of helping society fight against teenage pregnancy."

MTN Uganda’s Eastern Region Sponsorship Manager, John Paul Okwi, echoed the sentiment, expressing enthusiasm for extending the partnership with Busoga Kingdom.

"Allow me to express our gratitude as MTN Uganda for celebrating unity and resilience. We believe that with the theme ‘Basadha Nempango,’ this campaign will enable the Kingdom to address teenage pregnancy effectively," said Okwi.

The Kingdom’s Minister of Sports, Amin Bbosa, announced that the event will begin on January 18, with riders competing in Bulamogi and Luuka to determine the top two finishers in both the Tippa (local bike) and mountain (sports bike) categories.

The schedule is as follows:

January 19: Bukooli vs. Bunhole-Bunhanumba
January 25: Busiki vs. Bunha
January 26: Bugabula vs. Bukono
February 1: Kigulu vs. Bugweri
February 2: Butembe will host the last qualifiers.

Cash prizes for the top five finishers in each qualifier are as follows:

1st place: UGX 100,000
2nd place: UGX 80,000
3rd place: UGX 60,000
4th place: UGX 40,000
5th place: UGX 20,000