By Reynolds K Kibira

Facing one challenge after another, Team Uganda pulled off a heroic silver finish at the Africa Motocross Championship in Marrakesh, defying financial hurdles, last-minute adjustments, and the fierce competition of Africa’s top riders. With Africa’s No. 1 rider, Three-time Africa Champion Stav Asiimwe Orland leading the charge, Uganda stormed through the event, racking up 479 points, just behind South Africa—and leaving the hosts, Morocco, eating their dust.

Stav Asiimwe Orland: Uganda’s Ace and AMA Pro Competitor

Already crowned Africa’s motocross champion twice, Stav Orland came to Marrakesh fresh from competing in the USA’s prestigious AMA Pro Motocross Championships. The experience clearly showed: Stav’s power and precision on the track were a class above, and he delivered a gold-winning performance in the MX2 category, showing Africa why he’s the continent’s reigning champion. Stav’s dedication and skill pushed Team Uganda’s points up, setting an inspiring example for his teammates as he brought his international training to the African arena.

Financial Hiccups and a Crash Course in Last-Minute Logistics
It wasn’t just the racetrack where Uganda had to pull off high-speed maneuvers. The Federation of Motorsports Uganda (FMU) faced a funding crisis that had the team scrambling. Visa applications, airtickets, bike shipments, and accommodation were all in the balance as government funding stalled. Just ten days before the competition, FMU managed to secure last-minute funding to get the essentials in place. But with riders like the Katende brothers and Jerome Mubiru opting out of this one, the team roster dropped from 45 to 27. The delay meant the team landed in Marrakesh just in time for the event, with zero practice runs on the track. Not ideal, to put it mildly.

Silver with Style and the Power of a Top-Tier Trio
Despite the setbacks, Uganda’s riders came prepared to throw down. The MX65 category was a showstopper, with Haruna Ramathan Mubiru, Isaac Mitima, and Isaiah Larry Ssekamwa going head -to-head in the final heat, claiming positions 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Their combined effort bagged a whopping 88 points, clinching Uganda’s win in the class! The Musede brothers, Jude Kyle and Eadric John, kept the intensity high in the MX50 class, snagging  positions 2 and 5 for 70 points, just behind the South African team.

Meanwhile, Malcolm Gift Tabula, son of rally legend Ronald Ssebuguzi and 2022 Africa MX85 Champion, pulled off a thrilling comeback after Day 1’s bike mishap. Tabula turned it around on the final day, dominating his MX Lites class and collecting crucial points for Uganda. Injuries to high flying Malcom Omoding and Ally Kimera denied the team a few points to close on South Africa.
And Morocco saw the return of a fan-favourite: Fortune Ssentamu. Day Two had him racing like he was on a mission, riding with such intensity that some spectators thought he was auditioning for a superhero movie. After two podium finishes, Fortune said, “Seeing Stav out there and hearing the crowd cheer gave me that extra push!” Talk about a comeback story.
The team also saw its firsts as Federation President Hon. Jimmy James Akena Obote became the first president to represent a team at the continental Championship while Hellena Birungi became the first MX50 gold medalist since the start of the Motocross of African Nations (MXOAN).

Two Class Champions and an Unstoppable Team Spirit
The cherry on top? Uganda walked away with two class gold medals, thanks to Stav Orland in MX1 and Hellena Birungi in the MX 50 Ladies class, each showcasing their dominance on the track. By consistently placing riders in the top 10 across all classes, Team Uganda racked up the points and showed that sometimes, resilience is more powerful than resources.

A Call for Sustainable Support (Because Last-Minute Funding is Not a Sport)
Team Uganda’s silver win is a testament to their talent, grit, and unity, but it also highlights a glaring need for reliable funding. In a show of commitment, the Federation of Motorsports Uganda (FMU) had to secure a loan facility to cover the team’s travel expenses, while dedicated parents pitched in to cover accommodation costs in Morocco. This kind of support, while admirable, underscores the urgent need for sustained financial backing to enable full preparations and provide stability for the riders and the sport. With better resources, Uganda’s top riders could train, prepare, and compete on an even playing field. Until then, the team will keep defying the odds—and probably learning to pack their bags at record speed.

The writer is the General Secretary of the Federation of Motorsports Clubs of Uganda (FMU)