Ssempebwa crowned 2025 National Karting champion

Nunda Ssempebwa has been crowned the 2025 National Professional Karting Champion, dethroning defending champion Kevin Bebeeto in a thrilling finale at the Meraki Circuit in Bugolobi on the eve of 2026.

Ssempebwa posted the fastest time of 24.262 seconds to win the fifth round of the championship, finishing ahead of Rashid Omar in second place, while Bebeeto settled for third.

In the sixth round, Bebeeto bounced back with a blistering 23.864 seconds to take victory, but Ssempebwa held on for second and Omar came third.

Heading into the final two rounds, both Ssempebwa and Bebeeto were tied on 49 points.

However, Ssempebwa collected 37 points compared to Bebeeto’s 35, securing the overall title with 86 points. Bebeeto finished second with 84 points, while Omar claimed third place with 64 points.

In the women’s category, Lucy Kakuru was dominant, clinching the championship with 101 points. The cadet class produced a nail-biting finish, with Victor Keije emerging champion on 100 points, just one ahead of runner-up Kavan Gacha (99), while Christian Kisitu finished third with 97 points.

Ssempebwa, hailed as an exciting new champion, has already set his sights on competing at the international stage. Bebeeto, meanwhile, attributed his defeat to inconsistencies in the karts used.

“I think there is a need to get better karts that have the same strength and good mechanical condition, otherwise there will be a lot of frustrations,” he said.

Formula One Uganda Association president Raymond Mugisha praised the racers for their commitment and promised more competitive events next season. He also urged parents to invest in karts for their children, noting that the federation will support them as part of efforts to promote the sport.

Karting standings

Pro-class

1.Ndunda Ssempebwa 86 points

2.Kevin Bebeeto 84

3.Rashid Omar 64

Cadet class

1.Victor Keije 100

2.Kavan Gacha 99

3.Christian Kisitu 97

Ladies class

1.Lucy Kakuru 101