Motocross Championship heats up at revamped Kaliisizo track
Riders, fans and officials witnessed a day of high-intensity racing on a circuit that had undergone significant redesign ahead of the event.
Gift Ssebuguzi in the lead
The thunderous roar of engines and the unmistakable spirit of competition filled the air as the second round of the Mountain Dew Uganda National Motocross Championship unfolded at the newly revamped E-Villa motocross track in Kaliisizo, Kyotera District.
Riders, fans and officials witnessed a day of high-intensity racing on a circuit that had undergone significant redesign ahead of the event.
Previously measuring 1.4 kilometres, the track was extended to 1.6 kilometres by Clerk of the Course George William Ssemakula. The redesign transformed the venue into a technically demanding course featuring four different racing routes integrated into a single-track layout.
The innovative design allowed different categories to compete on routes tailored to their experience and engine capacities. Pewee riders used a separate section, while 50cc Senior and 65cc classes raced on modified routes suited to their level. The 85cc and 65cc categories shared another variation, while senior riders from 85cc through to the premier MX1 category tackled the most challenging sections.
Shamilla Kateete and her sister Shadia Kateete in action. Photo by Gerald Kikulwe
The upgraded track offers a rich blend of technical features, including off-camber corners, rollers, step-ups, step-downs, rhythm sections and varied terrain, all constructed on well-drained loam soil providing optimal traction and control. The thoughtful redesign enhanced both racing quality and safety.
Riders widely praised the new layout, noting that improvements had reduced accident risks while raising competitiveness across classes. The smoother flow and clearer race lines allowed competitors to focus more on strategy, speed and technique.
With the season still in its early stages, every round remains crucial as riders build momentum in pursuit of their respective titles.
In the MX 50cc Senior category, Israel Mpuuga continued his remarkable run by winning all three heats, earning 60 points and maintaining his lead at the top of the standings with 120 points after two events. Ariella Katende remains his closest challenger with 94 points overall, despite finishing third in Kaliisizo where she collected 45 points.
In the stand-alone Women's Motocross category, Shamilla Kateete delivered a commanding performance to win the round with 57 points, keeping her at the top of the standings with 110 points overall. Swanswi Sambo finished second with 52 points, bringing her total to 98 points and keeping the championship battle alive.
Jerome Mulumba emerged as the new leader in the MX 65cc category after securing victory with 52 points, lifting his total to 97 points. Solomon Winyi finished second with 45 points, moving into second place overall with 87 points.
The MX 85cc category continues to produce thrilling competition. Jonathan Katende leads the standings with 117 points following another strong performance where he secured victory with 57 points. Ethan Paul Musede remains firmly in contention with 103 points after finishing second and collecting 54 points.
In the MX 125cc class, Miguel Katende strengthened his title ambitions by winning again, collecting 60 points and stretching his overall lead to 117 points. Jerome Mubiru continues to chase closely with 103 points after finishing second and earning 49 points.
Malcom Tabula Ssebuguzi has established a commanding presence in the MX2 category, maintaining a perfect winning record this season. After triumphing in the opening round, he dominated the Kaliisizo event with 60 points, now sitting comfortably at the top with 120 points and emerging as the rider to beat.
In the premier MX1 category, Ashim Sserwadda staged an impressive comeback to win the round with 57 points after finishing fourth in the season opener. Ismail Mukiibi finished second with 54 points and continues to lead the overall standings with 100 points, while Sserwadda trails closely with 99 points, setting the stage for an intense title fight.
In the Women Elite category, Jamaira Makumbi continued her dominant form by winning once again with 60 points, maintaining a perfect record of 120 points from two rounds and firmly cementing her position at the top of the standings.