On Sunday 30th January 2022, the Official Ugandan National motocross championship revved off in high gear with hair-raising displays at the Victoria Raceway track in Garuga.
The 50cc juniors to the 85 elite classes brought in a new breed of riders. These included Abigail Katende, sister to the Lato milk-sponsored Katende brothers, Miguel Katende proved mightier in 65cc, Filbert Muwonge, son to two-time National rally champion Susan Muwonge and Jerome Mubiru.
Abigail Katende dominated the 50cc junior lady category winning all three heats to cap the day’s effort with 60 points.
Muwonge got his best breath in the last heat when he managed third place, after a stiff chase with Jamairah Makumbi and Ethan James Blick Jnr, son to twelve-time National Motocross champion Arthur Blick Jnr.
Makumbi had a sublime ride to finish second overall, and with it 51 points, Ethan kept it on full throttle to win the last heat. That was good enough as he salvaged the class win.
The lethal Katende brothers entertained fans and kept them on tenterhooks with their high air flying stunts as they dominated the 65cc class. They finished in the 1-2 positions, with Zion Wekesa settling for third.
Jerome Mubiru took command of the 85cc class by winning all three heats.
Mubarak Ssenoga managed second place, with Ron Young sealing the podium slot.
Rahmah Nakachwa, the only lady rider in 65cc, garnered 60 points.
Despite the chase for points, the high blazing performance from Miguel Katende and Alestair Blick Jnr excited fans. Miguel threw in something in the mix as he raced against Veterans and gave them a run for their money.
Another lady rider that had the fans cheering was Rose Deedan Turinawe, a mother of two riders (Faith Angel Deedan and Aine Faith Deedan). She also put up good performances in the respective classes.
Officials are keen on building a formidable Ugandan team ahead of this year’s international engagement; the FIM Central African Motocross championship to be held in April and the FIM Motocross of All African Nations slated for August.
The second of the National motocross round is slated for 6th March 2022, at Victoria Raceway track, Garuga.
Published by: Frank Kaheesi
Photography by: Innocent Mutaawe
