Motocross star Shamilla Kateete returns, sending rivals on high alert
Last season, Shamilla competed in only four of the eight rounds on the calendar due to her Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams at St. Michael High School, where she excelled with five Bs and four Cs, earning a first-grade result.
Shamilla Kateete after an event
The return of 16-year-old motocross sensation Shamilla Kateete has sent waves of tension through the Women’s Motocross Championship (WMX), with over 10 female riders now on high alert as she pursues this year's title with fierce determination.
Last season, Shamilla competed in only four of the eight rounds on the calendar due to her Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams at St. Michael High School, where she excelled with five Bs and four Cs, earning a first-grade result.
Despite her limited participation, she still claimed the 125cc women’s category title.
Shamilla Kateete on the track during the previous event
Riding a KTM-125-2023, Shamilla made a powerful statement at the season opener of the Mountain Dew National Motocross Championship held at Victoria Raceway Park, where she dominated the WMX category and emerged victorious.
Her journey, however, has not been without hardship. In 2019, while battling for a season title, Shamilla suffered a horrific accident that left her with severe facial injuries and the loss of all her teeth. Many believed her racing career was over, but her resilience proved stronger than the setback.
In 2023, she bounced back to win the 85cc women’s category title. Last year, she added the 125cc women’s category crown — despite competing in only half of the championship rounds.
"I am thankful to God for saving my life when I got that terrible accident. I still cling to Him for more successful stories. This year, I want to put up an outstanding performance because I want to score enough points to represent my country in the Africa Women’s Motocross Championship," Shamilla said.
Currently leading the WMX standings with 53 points, Shamilla is preparing for the second round of this year’s championship, set for this Sunday at E-Villas Racing Park.
She faces stiff competition, including her biological sisters Asia Kasirye (49 points) and Shadia Kateete (45 points), as well as Swanswi Sambo (46 points), among other strong contenders.