Odoto and Luganda reign supreme in  Busoga Masaza Cycling Championship

John Odoto of Kigulu Chiefdom and Tiffu Luganda of Bukooli Chiefdom successfully defended their titles in the Mountain Sport Bike and Tippa categories, respectively, at the grand finale of the 2024 MTN Busoga Masaza Cycling Championship.

The 175-kilometer race, which featured 44 cyclists, was the culmination of a series of qualifiers held across the 11 chiefdoms of the Busoga Kingdom from January to February. The competition was officially launched on January 10th by the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope IV.

The race was flagged off by Busoga Kingdom’s Sports Minister, Owek. Amin Bbosa, at the Kingdom headquarters on Saturday. Cyclists embarked on their thrilling route from the Busoga Kingdom headquarters in Jinja City, passing through Bugembe, Kakira, Magamaga, Musita, Mayuge Town, Nankoma, Buwunga Town Council, Busowa, Busesa, Butakanira, Nawangisa, Namalemba, Minani, Nabukone, Nambaale, Namungalwe, Iganga Town, Bulanga, and back via Musita, Magamaga, Kakira, Mailo Mbili Roundabout, and Katende Road before returning to the finishing point at the Kingdom headquarters.

The event drew large crowds of enthusiastic residents who braved the scorching sun to cheer on the cyclists along the route. The race was further energized by hundreds of boda boda riders who followed the cyclists, though heavy traffic caused a few disruptions, with some riders losing control and falling.

One notable incident occurred near the Buwunga Junction at Nankoma Trading Centre in Bugiri District, where Munyangala from Bukooli Chiefdom fell but quickly regained his composure and continued the race.

The competition was fierce in both the Tippa and Mountain Sport Bike categories. Luganda of Bukooli Chiefdom clinched the coveted Tippa category title, winning a new CT 125 HD motorcycle and sh2 million in cash. Similarly, Odoto of Kigulu Chiefdom triumphed in the Mountain Sport Bike category, taking home the same prize.

Kigulu chiefdom's John Odoto (2nd L) displaying the motorcycle key after defending his title in the mountain sports bike category.Photo by Donald Kiirya

Additionally, 27 riders who completed the race received sh50,000 each and a certificate of participation in recognition of their effort and perseverance.

During the prize-giving ceremony, Busoga Kingdom Prime Minister, Dr. Joseph Muvawala, expressed gratitude to MTN Uganda for their support in promoting sports in the region. He also urged the people of Busoga to support MTN’s services and commended the competitors for their dedication. Dr. Muvawala emphasized the importance of addressing teenage pregnancies and called on men in Busoga to take a leading role in tackling the issue.

John Paul Okwi, MTN Uganda’s Sponsorship and Events Manager, echoed these sentiments, thanking the people of Busoga for their enthusiasm and encouraging them to channel the same energy into combating teenage pregnancies in the region.

The winner of the Tippa bike category Tiffu Luganda (M) receiving his motorcycle and number plate from Busoga Kingdom's Prime Minister Dr. Joseph Muvawala (L) as MTN Uganda's Sponsorship and Events Manager John Paul Okwi (R) looks on. Photo by Donald Kiirya

Luganda, the Tippa category winner, expressed satisfaction with the route and his joy at defending his title. Odoto, meanwhile, celebrated his second consecutive victory, having previously won with Butembe Chiefdom in 2022. His achievement marked a historic moment, as he became the first rider to win the championship with two different chiefdoms.

WINNERS

Mountain sport bikes Category:

1. John Odoto – Kigulu (CT 125 HD bike)

2. Magemeso Mensuramu – Luuka (sh2m)

3. Rogers Byansi – Bugabula (sh1m)

4. Musilimu Kiwanuka – Luuka (sh500,000)

5. Meni Kakaire – Bunha (sh300,000)

Tippa Category:  

1. Tiffu Luganda – Bukooli (CT 125 HD bike)

2. Shafik Farmer – Bunha (sh2m)

3. Dominic Mugoda – Butembe (sh1m)

4. Hussein Kigenyi – Bunha (sh500,000)

5. Magidu Kyawa – Kigulu (sh300,000)