By Frank Kaheesi-
Uganda’s motocross team, the Cranes, soared to a remarkable third-place finish at the FIM-Africa Motocross of African Nations (MXoAN) held in Harare, Zimbabwe, proudly bringing home bronze after a weekend of action.
The Ugandans battled against some of Africa’s best, securing 284 points to cement their spot on the podium. Hosts Zimbabwe claimed silver with 468 points, while the ever-dominant South Africa reigned supreme with 717 points, sweeping multiple categories including MX50, MX65, MX Elite, MX125, MX2, and WMX.
For Uganda, the podium finish was further sweetened by historic victories in the junior ladies’ categories. Rising stars Hellena Birungi Ainomugisha and Jamairah Makumbi struck gold in MX50 Ladies and MX65 Ladies,
Uganda’s junior ranks proved unstoppable, taking all three podium places in both MX50 Ladies and MX65 Ladies. In MX50, Abigail Katende secured second while Abigail Muwanguzi clinched third. In MX65, Faith Angel Deedan and Joy Norah Akao followed Makumbi to complete a clean sweep.
Birungi’s performance was especially noteworthy as she not only defended her 2024 African Women’s Championship title but also competed head-to-head with boys in the mixed 50CC race, finishing an impressive 12th overall.
Other standout contributors included Jaysen Katek, Isreal Mpuga, Alber Muwanguzi, and Janan Makumbi, all of whom added crucial points for the Cranes. In the MX125 class, team captain Gift Tabula Ssebuguzi displayed unshakable consistency, finishing fifth in all three heats.
Uganda also fielded strong riders across various categories: Ethan Paul and Jude Musedde in MX65, Miguel and Jonathan Katende alongside Ethan Katek in MX Elite, while Waleed Omar and Wazir Ali Omar battled in MX2 and MX1, respectively.
FMU Deputy Vice President of Motorcycling and team manager Arthur Blick Jr. praised the squad’s grit:
“I would like to welcome back Team Uganda for achieving a successful podium finish at the continental event. Competing on a fully sandy track, unlike the hard surfaces we train on at home, was a huge challenge, but the team showed great adaptability and spirit.”
The 2025 MXoAN featured riders from eight nations, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Madagascar, Uganda, and Kenya. With over 200 competitors across junior and senior levels, it was one of the most competitive editions in recent years.
2025 MXoAN Overall Classifications:
- South Africa 717
- Zimbabwe 468
- Uganda 284
- Namibia 281
- Botswana 159
For Uganda, this bronze medal building on last year’s silver in Marrakech, Morocco signals a steady rise in continental motocross. With young talents like Birungi and Makumbi leading the charge, the Cranes look set for even greater success when the event heads to Namibia in 2026.