-Birungi, Makumbi win Gold in Junior ladies.
2025 MXoAN Overall Classifications:
- South Africa 717
- Zimbabwe 468
- Uganda 284
- Namibia 281
- Botswana. 159
UGANDA’S Motocross team, proudly named the Cranes, achieved an admirable third-place finish, securing a bronze medal at the FIM-Africa Motocross of African Nations (MXoAN) hosted in the bustling city of Harare, Zimbabwe.
This triumphant accomplishment highlights their resilience and dedication in what was undoubtedly a fiercely competitive event.
Taking top honors, South Africa once again reigned supreme, securing the overall title with a commanding 717 points, showcasing their unparalleled prowess in motocross by dominating several categories including MX50, MX65, MX Elite, MX2, and MX125, as well as holding a strong lead in the women’s division, WMX.
In a robust display of skill and determination, the Zimbabwean hosts claimed the second position, amassing 468 points with notable performances, particularly in the MX1 class.
Uganda, with a total score of 284 points, proudly secured the third spot, building upon their second-place finish from last year’s event held in Marrakech, Morocco.
The Ugandan team’s stellar performance was also bolstered by individual successes in the junior categories.
Noteworthy achievements came from Uganda’s talented young riders, with standout performances by female racers Hellena Birungi Ainomugisha and Jamairah Makumbi.
Both secured gold medals in their respective junior categories, MX50 and MX65 Ladies, demonstrating their exceptional skill and determination.
In a remarkable feat, Uganda claimed the top three positions in the junior races, affirming their dominance in these categories.
In the MX50 race, Uganda took a clean sweep with Abigail Katende securing second place, followed by Abigail Muwanguzi. Similarly, in the MX65 category, Faith Angel Deedan and Joy Norah Akao took second and third respectively, cementing Uganda’s strength and potential in nurturing future champions.
Among the riders, Birungi shone brightly, not only defending her title as the 2024 African Women Champion but also holding her own in a mixed-gender race, achieving a respectable 12th place overall in the 50CC category.
Uganda also boasted significant accomplishments from riders like Jaysen Katek, Isreal Mpuga, Alber Muwanguzi, and Janan Makumbi, each contributing to the team’s overall success.
The spirited performance of Uganda’s team suggests a promising future, particularly in the junior ranks, emphasizing the necessity for continued development and exposure on the international motocross stage.
“I would like to take a moment to welcome back Team Uganda for achieving a successful podium finish at the Continental event,” said Arthur Blick Jr., FMU’s Deputy Vice President of Motorcycling, who also served as the team manager.
Blick acknowledged the challenges posed by competing on a fully sandy track, which differed significantly from the hard motocross tracks they practice on at home, and praised the team’s adaptability and competitive spirit.
Despite facing strong competition from the dominant South Africans in classes like MX125, Uganda’s riders showcased incredible determination.
Team captain Gift Tabula Ssebuguzi exemplified focus and tenacity, consistently placing fifth in all three heats of this category.
Other prominent Ugandan riders adding to the tally included Ethan Paul Musedde and Jude Musedde in MX65; Miguel Katende, Jonathan Katende, and Ethan Katek in the MX Elite; along with Waleed Omar and Wazir Ali Omar competing in MX2 and MX1, respectively.
The 2025 edition of this prestigious event drew participants from eight different African nations, bringing together a record number of more than 200 riders across junior and senior levels.
These enthusiastic athletes hailed from countries such as South Africa, the host nation Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Madagascar, and two East African nations, Uganda and Kenya.
Excitement builds as the motocross community looks forward to the next challenge, set to take place in Namibia in 2026.
Published by: Frank Kaheesi,Head FMU Media Commission.