National Motocross Championship returns with thrilling second round

The Mountain Dew National Motocross Championship roars back into action this Sunday at Raceway Park in Garuga, marking the second round of this year’s calendar.

The event will see 20 riders who missed the opening round in Kaliisizo last month due to unforeseen circumstances, adding excitement and fresh competition to the mix.

One of the most anticipated returns is Fortune Ssentamu, known for his spectacular speed, who has been absent since last year. His presence has already thrilled fans, and he is set to face off against Ashraf Sserwadda, the current MX1 class leader with 60 points, and Ismail Mukiibi, who sits second with 49 points.

Fatu Kiggundu, a regular in the MX1 category, has made a surprising switch to the MX2 class due to the lack of a strong 450cc motorbike. “I can’t miss this second round just because of a bike. I’m improvising with a 250cc bike to compete, which is why I’ve moved back to MX2,” Kiggundu explained.

Other notable returns include Corey Kayiira and Richard Kaye in the 50cc junior category, Janan Makumbi (50cc senior), Joshua Bbuule, Harvey Kayiira, and Yousif Adil (65cc), as well as Isaac Mitima, Glenn Kayiira, Shadia Kateete, and Agnes Nakanwagi (85cc).

Speedster Jerome Mubiru, who has been recovering from injury, will make a comeback in the 125cc class. Also returning are former MX2 champion Jordan Mukiibi, Ismail Sserwadda, and Sasha Nagadya, who missed the Kaliisizo round. The MX Veterans category will feature Geoffrey Kayiira, Ashraf Mbabazi, and Shafik Babeyo.

According to Arthur Blick Junior, Deputy Vice President of Motorcycling at the Federation of Motorcross Clubs of Uganda (FMU), this championship will serve as a benchmark for selecting the national team to represent Uganda at the upcoming FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations.

The FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations is scheduled for August 16-17 in Nairobi, Kenya, adding extra significance to this weekend’s races as riders vie for a spot on the national team.

With a mix of seasoned riders and fresh talent, the second round of the Mountain Dew National Motocross Championship promises high-octane action and fierce competition.

Leaders per class

 (MX 50cc junior)

Harvey Kiggundu (60pts), Favor Ssentamu (47pts) and Ronieta Ssebuguzi (47pts)

MX 50cc junior (Ladies)

Ronieta Ssebuguzi (60pts), Grace Deedan Arinda (51pts).

MX 50cc senior

Abigail Katende (57pts), Hellena Birungi (52pts) and Abigail Muwanguzi (43pts).

MX 50cc senior (Ladies)

Abigail Katende (57pts), Hellena Birungi (54pts) and Abigail Muwanguzi (45pts).

MX 65cc

Larry Ssekamwa (57pts), Ethan Musedde (54pts) and Jude Kyle Musedde (43pts).

MX 65cc (Ladies)

Jamaira Makumbi (60pts), Faith Angel Deedan (51pts) and Joy Norah Akao (45pts).

MX 85cc

Miguel Katende (60pts), Jonathan Katende (51pts), Ethan Jassa Katek (41pts).

MX 125cc

Gift Malcon Ssebuguzi (60pts), Dan Mitima (51pts) and Jason Barrows (45pts).

MX 125cc (Ladies)

Shamirah Kateete (60pts).

MX 2

Jovan Ssendawula (60pts), Habib Kiggundu (47pts) and Sharifa Kateete (45pts).

MX 2 (Ladies)

Sharifa Kateete (60pts), Swanswi Sambo (51pts), Asia Kasirye (45pts) and Shadia Kateete (39pts).

Mx1

Ashim Sserwaddwa (60pts), Ismail Mukiibi (49pts) and Maxime Van Pee (47pts).

MX Vets

Rogers Ssebunnya (60pts), John Baptist Achal (51pts) and Alithea Nakiwala (45pts).