Uganda sends 36 riders to Harare for FIM Africa Motocross of Nations Championship

The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of Uganda (FMU) has sent a contingent of 36 riders to represent the country in the upcoming FIM Africa Motorcross of Nations (MXOAN) championship, scheduled to take place in Harare, Zimbabwe from August 16-17.

The team was flagged off on Monday by Milton Chebet, the newly appointed Assistant General Secretary in charge of technical issues at the National Council of Sports. Chebet emphasized the importance of discipline as a key factor in achieving success in the championship, urging the riders to fight for points and keep the Ugandan flag high.

Preparations for this event have been rigorous, building on the momentum from the recently concluded sixth round of the Mountain Dew National Motocross Championship, held at Victoria Raceway Park in Garuga two weeks ago. The riders put up impressive performances, with some debuting new bikes and testing their skills.

Gift Malcom Ssebuguzi, the newly appointed team captain and 2022 MX 65cc African champion, is determined to redeem himself after a disappointing performance last season in Marrakech, Morocco. "I was heartbroken after losing points in the last season's championship," Ssebuguzi said. 

"My bike failed during the final heat on the last day when I was leading the MX 85cc category, and I ended up scoring no points. This time, I've taken two bikes and a team of mechanics with me because I need to secure points for my country."

Miguel Katende, another key rider, is fresh from participating in the 2025 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship in Romagne, France, on July 5-6, 2025. Katende is expected to draw on that experience to compete against African giants in the MXOAN championship.

According to Arthur Blick Junior, FMU's Deputy Vice President for Motorcycling, the contingent initially had 52 riders, but 16 were left out due to financial constraints. "We required 240 million shillings to fund the team, but thanks to the support of Uganda Airlines, St. Francis Junior School, Lato Milk Uganda, SEMKA Riding Academy, and other sponsors, we managed to raise about 180 million shillings, which enabled us to take 36 riders," Blick confirmed.

Among the riders left out were John Patrick Muwonge and Avisha Ellis Laboke (MX 50cc senior), Ashraf Mbabazi and Haiden Kaliisa (MX 65cc), Adam Kabuye (MX 85cc), Habib Kiggundu and Jordan Mukiibi (MX 2), Fortune Ssentamu, Ismail, and Ashim Sserwadda (MX1).

Uganda's motocross team last won the MXOAN title in 2012. After finishing second in the championship last season in Marrakech, Morocco, the team is eager to make history again by winning the championship this season.