The opening round of the 2025 FIM Central African Motocross Championship delivered a thrilling spectacle, with standout performances from Uganda’s rising stars and returning elite riders at the Garuga Racetrack.
In the junior categories, competitors in the 50cc, 65cc, and 85cc classes set the tone with fearless racing and impressive technical skill. Despite their size and youth, the young riders showed no hesitation in pushing their machines to the limit.
The event also saw strong representation from female riders, with African champion Helena Birungi leading the charge. Birungi was in dominant form in the 50cc Senior category, establishing an early lead in the overall standings.
In the 50cc Lady Seniors, she remains the rider to beat going into the final two heats. Jamairah Makumbi and Swansi Sambo also made notable appearances in the 65cc and WMX classes, respectively.
The increased participation and competitiveness of female riders at this level mark a significant step forward for women’s motocross in Uganda, signalling a promising future for the sport’s development.
The much-anticipated return of the Katende brothers, Miguel and Jonathan, did not disappoint. The duo asserted their dominance in the 85cc class, storming to a commanding 1-2 finish in the first heat, ahead of Ethan Kater and Adam Kabuye in third and fourth, respectively.
In the 65cc category, Ethan Paul Musede impressed with a strong performance on his KTM, leading the field. Larry Sekamwa, Kalisa Haiden, and Jude Kyle Musede followed in third, fourth, and fifth positions, respectively, with all riders still in contention as the championship continues.
The highlight of the day came from Gift Tabula Ssebuguzi in the 125cc class. Ssebuguzi posted the fastest lap time of the day and thrilled spectators with his high-flying jumps and aggressive cornering, confirming his status as one of the event’s top performers.
