The second edition of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cycling Championship Finals delivered an electrifying contest on Saturday, as defending champions John Odoto and Tiff Luganda successfully retained their crowns in the Mountain Bike and Tippa Bike categories, respectively.
The grueling 175km race took cyclists through the bustling districts of Mayuge, Bugiri, and Kaliro before culminating at Bugembe Kingdom headquarters.
The endurance challenge saw all 44 finalists complete the course without requiring medical attention, a feat that left MTN Uganda’s Head of Sponsorship and Events, John Paul Okwi, thoroughly impressed.
“I had never seen such a long race completed without any casualties. This means that all these cyclists are so brave, and this entails them to be brave enough to avoid teenage pregnancies,” Okwi remarked.
Odoto Edges Magemeso in a Photo Finish
Kigulu’s John Odoto put on a masterclass performance in the Mountain Bike category, narrowly outpacing Luuka’s Mensuramu Magemeso in a nail-biting sprint finish.
The two riders were locked in an intense battle from the 40km mark in Bulanga, exchanging leads multiple times before Odoto surged ahead in the final meters to win by just two seconds.
“I thank my team from Kigulu that has facilitated me throughout my training from the Kapchorwa terraces to Iganga on a weekly basis. I also thank MTN and Busoga Kingdom for organizing such tournaments that have led us to win genuine prizes,” said Odoto, who claimed his second successive title and a brand-new motorcycle.
Magemeso secured second place and a cash prize of UGX 2 million, while Bugabula’s Rogers Byansi finished third, earning UGX 1 million.
Muslim Kiwanuka (Luuka) and Meni Kakaire (Bunha) rounded out the top five, pocketing UGX 500,000 and UGX 300,000, respectively.
Luganda Continues Tippa Bike Dominance
In the Tippa Bike category, Bukooli’s Tiff Luganda proved unstoppable once again, successfully defending the title he won in 2022.
Luganda fended off tough competition from Bunha’s Shafik Fama and Butembe’s Dominic Mugoda to cement his status as the event’s top rider.
For his efforts, Luganda received a second consecutive 125CC motorcycle, while Fama and Mugoda claimed UGX 2 million and UGX 1 million, respectively, for their podium finishes.
Kigulu’s Hussein Kigenyi and Magidu Kyawa finished fourth and fifth, earning UGX 500,000 and UGX 300,000, respectively.
Debate Over Race Distance as Fan Excitement Grows
The demanding nature of the 175km race has sparked discussions about potentially reducing the distance in future editions. Busoga Kingdom’s Sports Minister announced plans to collaborate with the technical committee to assess the feasibility of adjustments.
However, the overwhelming enthusiasm from fans along the route demonstrated the championship’s growing stature in the region.
MTN Uganda’s continued sponsorship was lauded by Busoga Kingdom Prime Minister Muvawala Nsekere, who praised the telecom company for its dedication to grassroots sports and community development.
In a further show of support for young talent, Nsekere personally sponsored three promising 16-year-old finalists—Bosco Bazaale (Busiki), Young Salaka (Bunha), and Hajji Kasadha—highlighting efforts to nurture future cycling champions in Busoga.
