Uganda sends 34-rider team to FIM Africa Motocross of Nations

The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of Uganda (FMU) has sent a 34-rider contingent to represent the country at the FIM Africa Motocross of Nations (MXOAN) Championship, scheduled for August 28–30 at Gallina Motocross Park in Windhoek, Namibia.

The team was flagged off  by Dr Patrick Ogwel, the General Secretary of the National Council of Sports (NCS), who challenged the riders to represent Uganda with confidence and determination.

Ogwel urged the riders to compete with the belief that none of their rivals was better than them.

MX50cc senior riders during the flag-off ceremony at Cooper Chimney in Lugogo. Photo by Gerald Kikulwe.

"Your legacy in sport is built through the development of talent. You are our great ambassadors, and you will be the ones flying the Ugandan flag. All eyes will be on you. Go there determined, fear no one, and call upon God, who watches over every step we take," Ogwel said.

He also urged FMU to promptly communicate any outstanding performances to the Government so that successful athletes can receive the recognition they deserve upon their return.

"When the athletes perform well, please communicate with the Government before the team returns so that a warm welcome can be arranged. If it means taking them to State House, then communicate in time," Ogwel said.

He cited a previous case in which a Ugandan rally driver won the Africa Rally Championship but was not officially recognised, saying the failure was partly due to delayed communication from FMU.

Gift Malcom Ssebuguzi has been appointed team captain for the second consecutive season, having also led the Ugandan contingent at last year's championship in Harare, Zimbabwe, where Uganda finished third overall.

Dr Patrick Ogwel (left), Hamid Gombe (centre), and Arthur Blick Junior during the flag-off press conference at Cooper Chimney in Lugogo on August 21, 2026. Photo by Gerald Kikulwe

Ssebuguzi, the 2022 MX65cc African champion, is determined to guide Uganda to another strong performance and improve on last season's result.

"Our primary target is to surpass last season's performance," Ssebuguzi said.

Uganda's motocross team has a proud history in the continental competition, having last won the MXOAN title in 2012.

The country's recent best performance came in 2024 in Marrakech, Morocco, where Uganda finished second overall. The team now hopes to go one step further and reclaim the continental crown this season.

According to Arthur Blick Junior, FMU's Deputy Vice President for Motorcycling, the team faced financial challenges during preparations but received government support to ensure the contingent could travel to Namibia.

"The team has faced financial constraints during the preparations, but the Government came to our rescue, and we are now good to go," Blick said.