Category Archives: FMN News Uganda

GET TO KNOW YOUR MX2 RIDER | MILTON AKAKI

As the countdown to the 2026 Goiás FIM Intercontinental Games continues, we meet 20-year-old Milton Akaki from Uganda, one of the riders selected to represent the FIM Africa team in the MX2 category in Brazil.

Riding has been part of Milton’s life for as long as he can remember. With his dad also involved in the sport, motocross was already part of the family. After watching racing on television one day, Milton asked if he could give it a try, and before long, he was on a PW50.

His love for racing came naturally, and despite the ups and downs that come with the sport, Milton says he sees himself riding for as long as he can, whether competing or simply riding for fun.

When he found out he had been selected for the FIM Africa team, Milton was surprised, as he had not known about the event. He was also excited and happy to have the opportunity to represent his country and Africa.

For Milton, representing Africa is a big responsibility, but one he is ready to take on.

“Africa is often overlooked, so being able to represent and put us on the map is great,” he says.

Looking ahead to Brazil, Milton is keen to race in a new country, gain international exposure and learn from new competitors. He is also looking forward to measuring himself against some of the best riders in the world.

His preparation remains much the same as his usual programme, with a little extra work both on and off the track. Milton describes consistency and hard work as his biggest strengths, qualities he will be looking to bring into the competition.

His dad and professional motocross rider Ken Roczen have both played an important role in his journey, teaching him the importance of never giving up.

One of the biggest challenges Milton has faced was breaking his wrist, his first major injury. It was a new experience, but he focused on getting his mindset right and reminding himself that he was still in the fight. His goal was to return stronger.

A proud moment in his career came when he became East and Central African Champion, a result that stands out as one of his biggest achievements to date.

At the FIM Intercontinental Games, Milton’s goal is straightforward: to do his best, ride to his potential and represent Uganda and Africa with pride.

Being part of the FIM Africa team also gives him the opportunity to compete alongside riders from other African countries. He values having teammates he can relate to, while also using the experience to measure himself against some of the continent’s fastest riders.

Away from motocross, Milton enjoys playing football and American football, as well as spending time with family and friends. Although he does not have one particular favourite track, he enjoyed riding at Zone 7 in South Africa. His dream race is the Motocross of Nations (MXoN), and he describes his riding style in one word: “Smooth.”

10–13 DECEMBER 2026
GOIÂNIA, BRAZIL

The countdown continues

UGANDAN MX TEAM FLAGGED OFF TO NAMIBIA

KAMPALA, UGANDA: Uganda’s national motocross team has been flagged off ahead of the 2026 FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations (MXOAN), which takes place from 28 to 30 August in Windhoek, Namibia.

Former MX Lite champion Gift Tabula Ssebuguzi has been handed the mantle to lead the Motocross Cranes for the second consecutive year.

Tabula, the son of four-time National Rally Champion Ronald Ssebuguzi, guided Uganda to third place overall at last year’s championship in Zimbabwe. Uganda finished behind record continental champions South Africa and hosts Zimbabwe, who took the top two positions respectively.

Tabula is no stranger to success at continental level, having won his class at the African Nations in Garuga in 2022 and again in Marrakech, Morocco, in 2024.

PROUD FATHER

Speaking to The Observer after the team flag-off at the National Council of Sports headquarters in Lugogo, Ssebuguzi senior said he was proud to see his son rise through the ranks.

“I feel great and happy seeing my son, who enrolled as a little rider, now at a level of commanding a national team,” he said.

“I actually have two riders selected for national duty, Gift and his little sister, Ronnieta Ssebuguzi Muganzi, who will be competing in the MX 50 Ladies class. To me, it’s a blessing to have my kids serving their nation,” added a beaming Ssebuguzi.

He said he had advised his son to take care of his fellow riders and share tips where necessary.

NCS HAILS FMU

While addressing the 34-rider team assembled at Lugogo, National Council of Sports General Secretary Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel applauded the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) for taking the sport to different regions of the country.

Dr Ogwel also praised parents for their efforts in preparing their children to represent Uganda, even when government funding has not been available.

He was particularly pleased by the number of female riders on the team and their young age, which he said reflects FMU’s commitment to developing the sport.

Published by: By Frank Kaheesi, Head FMU Media Commission

THE TEAMS OF MXOAN 2026 – UGANDA

Next up, another nation making its way to Windhoek for the FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations 2026.

MEET TEAM UGANDA.

Flying the Ugandan flag and ready to take their place on the starting gates at Gallina, these are the riders representing Uganda against the best from across the continent.
Different classes. One team. One flag.

They’re coming to Namibia to race for their country, fight for every point and be part of one of the biggest weekends on the African motocross calendar.

This is TEAM UGANDA 2026.

Uganda, your team is ready.

Let’s hear you.

Gallina Motocross Park, Windhoek
29–30 August 2026

GIRL POWER ON THE TRACK: 18 FEMALE RIDERS SHINE AT UGANDA’S MOTOCROSS SEASON OPENER!

The 2026 Motocross season in Uganda is off to a flying start! This past Sunday, the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda hosted an action-packed season opener at Victoria Raceway Park, Garuga, setting a powerful pace for the year ahead.

It was a proud day for the sport, with an impressive 18 female riders competing across the Junior and Senior categories. The WMX category was a standout moment, showcasing the talent of 8 women at the start gates in the Lites and Open classes.

The federation is looking forward to the rest of the season and hopes to see the incredible number of participants continue to climb.

BREAKING BARRIERS, LEADING WITH PURPOSE: NOELLA BLICK’S JOURNEY IN MOTORSPORT LEADERSHIP

Motorsport is often described as a high speed arena where precision, passion, and perseverance collide. For Noella Blick, the journey began 23 years ago in the co-driver’s seat, but her path soon accelerated beyond the rally stages into leadership roles that have left an indelible mark on African motorsport.

In 2010, Noella transitioned into officiating as a Technical Delegate, a role she continues to uphold with distinction. Two years later, she was appointed as the FMU Women in Motorcycling (WIM) Commission Representative for Uganda, championing inclusivity and representation in the sport. Her leadership trajectory has since soared. From 2022 to 2024, she served as the first female Vice President of the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU), before taking on the prestigious role of Chair of the FIM Africa Women in Motorcycling Commission in 2023.

Her dedication extends across commissions, where she serves not only in the FMU WIM Commission but also in the FMU Safety and Medical Commission, advocating for both equality and rider safety.

While technical training prepares one for officiating, leadership, Noella believes, requires vision and resilience. Her participation in the FIM Future Leaders Programme proved transformative. The eight-month initiative gathered 20 emerging leaders an equal number of women and men from across the globe. “Interacting with and learning from other FMNs was both eye opening and deeply inspiring,” she reflects.

Throughout her journey, Noella has drawn strength from the pioneering women of African motorsport, including the late Beaulah Shoeman, Jacqui Montero, Julie Wahome, Gilly Dykes, and Sheryl Kibaki. She also acknowledges the support of the FIM team-Barbara Vincitini, Chloé Vermot, Ganna Dumont, and Damiano Zamana as well as FIM President Jorge Viegas, whose leadership insights left a lasting impression.

Her pride extends to the four women from her CONU who stood alongside her during the leadership program: Catherine Ozeros (Morocco), Judy Luyo (Kenya), Lala Rasajison (Madagascar), and Fiona Tsiranana (Madagascar).

As her facilitator, Nadia Bonjour, wisely remarked: “Seeds have been planted and we are empowered to harvest them one step at a time.” For Noella, this is more than a metaphor. It is a mission.

Today, she looks forward with unwavering commitment to empowering women and girls in motorcycling across Africa, ensuring that the sport not only thrives but evolves into a space where every competitor, official, and leader can find their rightful place on the track of opportunity.