Parents cry foul as FMU withdraws motocross world championship funding

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The hopes of Uganda's national junior motocross team, the MX Cranes, have been thrown into uncertainty after the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) announced it will not fund the team's participation in the 2026 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship.

With less than a month remaining before the championship takes place from July 3 to 5, 2026, in Jinin, Czech Republic, parents of the selected riders say the decision has left them frustrated and scrambling for alternatives, fearing their children's chance to compete on the world stage could slip away.

The parents argue that denying the young riders an opportunity to participate in one of motocross's most prestigious international events undermines months of preparation, sacrifice and investment, while also dealing a setback to the sport's development in Uganda.

"We are deeply disappointed," said Paul Musede, father of MX85cc rider Ethan Paul Musede. "The event is every young rider's dream. The riders who have previously attended this championship returned as better competitors. They learnt new techniques, gained valuable experience and improved tremendously. There are things they learn abroad that we simply cannot teach them here."

"Allowing them to compete would be the greatest reward for their commitment and hard work," Musede added.

His sentiments were echoed by Grace Mubiru Bekalaze, whose son Jeromy Mubiru competes in the MX125cc category. According to him, the financial burden associated with participation in the championship is beyond what most parents can reasonably manage without institutional support.

"We experienced this challenge last season when FMU only facilitated participation licenses while parents covered everything else," he said. "There are visa fees, air tickets, accommodation, meals, bike hire, transportation and support personnel costs. Expecting parents to shoulder all these expenses alone is unfair."

FMU treasurer Joseph Mwangala explained that the government, together with the competitions, management and executive committees, resolved to halt funding for the championship following an assessment of Uganda's performances since making its debut appearance in 2023.

"Based on previous performances, it was decided that resources should be directed towards competitions where Uganda has a stronger chance of achieving success," Mwangala said.

He revealed that FMU has instead shifted its focus to the 2026 FIM Motocross of African Nations Championship (MXOAN), scheduled for August 28 to 30 at the Gallina Motocross Track in Windhoek, Namibia.

"For parents who are willing and able to facilitate their children's participation, FMU will continue to provide the necessary licenses and documentation," he added.

The decision leaves Uganda's participation in the championship hanging in the balance, with parents now facing the daunting task of raising substantial funds within a short period if their children are to compete.

The riders selected for the championship include Jude Kyle Musede, Jerome Mulumba, Emil Ssegirinya and Solomon Winyi (MX65cc); Jonathan Katende, Ethan Paul Musede, Ethan Jassa Katek, Isaac Mitima and Ashraf Mbabazi Jr. (MX85cc); and Miguel Katende, Jeromy Mubiru, Ally Kimera, Adam Kabuye and Jason Barrows (MX125cc).