Motocross: Dominant day one for Uganda at FIM CAC season opener

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The battle for maximum points is on as the first leg of the FIM Central Africa Motocross Championship — which also serves as the third round of the Mountain Dew National Motocross Championship — climaxes Sunday, April 20, at the Smart Beach track in Mityana.

The championship began on Saturday, April 19, with a single heat in which Uganda dominated most categories, from juniors to adults. The strong performance suggests the hosts are well on course to defend their title for a 12th consecutive time.

For all of the past 11 editions, Uganda has typically built a commanding lead in the season opener, giving them a significant advantage heading into the final and decisive round.

Last season, Uganda hosted the championship’s opening round at E-Villas in Kalisizo Town Council, Kyotera District. With resilience and skill, the team laid a solid foundation for overall victory, amassing a remarkable 1,637 points — far ahead of Kenya, which finished the first round with just 179 points.

Heading into the final round, Uganda’s lead was insurmountable, making it a mere formality. They went on to add another 911 points, finishing the season with a total of 2,548 points. Kenya came second with 992 points across both rounds.

With home advantage and a legacy to protect, Uganda is once again aiming to assert dominance and set the tone for the rest of the season.

Kenya and Rwanda out

Rwanda, which had registered Albert Krause (MX1) and Olivie Fietzek (MX2) to compete this year, failed to turn up at the last minute despite years of absence from the competition.

Kenya, traditionally Uganda’s closest challenger, was also a no-show, reportedly due to internal wrangles within their motocross federation.

This has left Uganda to face off primarily with Tanzania, which fielded only five riders — a stark contrast to Uganda’s contingent of 85 riders.

Uganda outpaces Tanzania

In some of the featured classes, Uganda is already pulling ahead. Last season’s 65cc champion, Ethan Musede, leads his class after day one. Jamaira Makumbi, Larry Ssekamwa, and Eadrick Musede are also performing strongly.

In the MX125 class, reigning champion Gift Malcon Sebuguzi continues to lead the pack, while Uganda’s promising talents Miguel and Jonathan Katende are ahead in the MX85cc category.