Young motocross star Miguel Nkayivu Katende expands into Karting

Uganda’s rising motocross talent, 15-year-old Miguel Nkayivu Katende, has taken a strategic step toward his dream of becoming a rally driver by competing in a new motorsport discipline.

Over the weekend, he made his debut in the FMU National Karting Championship at the Meraki Karting Track in Bugolobi.

Instead of starting in the usual Cadet category for beginners, Nkayivu chose to race in the highly competitive Pro Class and secured an impressive top-five finish.

Karting is the latest addition to his growing motorsport experience. He also competes in the FMU e-sport championship, where he finished fourth overall in his debut campaign last year, competing against experienced drivers including active rally competitors.

Miguel Nkayivu in action. Photo by Gerald Kikulwe

Despite these new pursuits, motocross remains his main focus. He currently leads the MX 125cc category in the national championship. At the second round last month, he earned a maximum 60 points, extending his lead to 117 points.

Nkayivu’s motorsport journey began in 2016. He won the MX 50cc senior title in 2020, followed by consecutive MX 65cc championships in 2021 and 2022. In 2023, at age 12, he became the first Ugandan rider to qualify for the finals of the World Junior Motocross Championship in Romania.

In 2025, he achieved a historic season in the MX 85cc category, winning all 24 heats to become the first Ugandan rider to claim a national title with a perfect score.

“I want to follow in my parents’ footsteps, as they were both involved in rallying. When I reach the eligible age, I will fully dedicate myself to rally. That is why I am working so hard now to build the necessary skills,” he said.

Miguel is the son of former Ugandan rally driver and co-driver George Ssemakula Katende and Racheal Kokuwabwa Ssemakula. The family lives in Kabowa, Wakiso District.