In a spirited and patriotic ceremony held at the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) headquarters in Lugogo, the National Council of Sports (NCS) together with FMU officially flagged off Team Uganda for the highly anticipated 2025 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship Cup. The prestigious event is slated to take place from 5th to 6th July 2025 in Romagné, France, attracting the world’s most talented young motocross riders.

Uganda’s team this year features a dynamic lineup of eight promising riders, each carrying the hopes of the nation as they prepare to compete against the best on the global stage. The official team includes:

• Dan Mitima (FIM-125cc)

• Jerome Junior Mubiru (FIM-125cc)

• Adam Kabuye (FIM-85cc)

• Isaac Mutima (FIM-85cc)

• Jonathan Semakula Katende (FIM-85cc)

• Miguel Katende (FIM-85cc)

• Ethan Paul Musede (FIM-65cc)

• Jamairah Makumbi (FIM-65cc)

The event, organized by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), is recognized as the pinnacle of junior motocross competitions worldwide, offering young talents an opportunity to compete on an international platform, gain valuable exposure, and foster friendships across borders.

Presiding over the flag-off ceremony, FMU Deputy Vice President and the Team Manager commended the riders for their hard work, resilience, and commitment in qualifying for this esteemed championship. They urged the young athletes to stay disciplined, give their best performance, and carry Uganda’s flag high with pride.

“This is not just about competing, but about representing the spirit of Uganda. Your participation at this level inspires countless young Ugandans to dream big and believe in their potential,” remarked the FMU Deputy Vice President.

The Team Manager equally praised the riders’ dedication, highlighting that their participation is a testament to Uganda’s rising stature in international motorsport. “It takes more than talent to reach this stage, it takes determination, discipline, and the relentless will to overcome challenges. You’ve done that, and now you carry the dreams of a nation on your shoulders.”

Adding his voice to the occasion, George Semakula of SMKA Racing, who has played a crucial role in preparing the team, expressed strong confidence in the riders’ ability to perform exceptionally in France.

“I am very confident that this team will do wonders in France,” George remarked. “I’ve personally overseen my two boys and several other team members train consistently over the past few months. Their determination and progress have been impressive especially considering their outstanding performances at the recently concluded MX5 championship in Masaka. If they race the way they did there, Uganda is going to make a statement on the world stage.”

The National Council of Sports (NCS) reaffirmed its unwavering support for motorsport and junior development programs in Uganda. A representative from NCS commended the efforts of FMU in nurturing young riders and pledged continued government collaboration to see motorsport grow both domestically and internationally.

“We are proud of these young athletes. They are ambassadors not only for motorsport but for Uganda’s sporting future. Our role as NCS is to ensure we create an environment where such talent can thrive and consistently compete at the world’s highest levels,” the NCS official noted.

FIM Junior Motocross World Championship

The FIM Junior Motocross World Championship is an annual event that gathers the world’s best junior motocross riders in the 65cc, 85cc, and 125cc classes. It serves as a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills and lay the foundation for future careers in international motocross and motorsport disciplines.

Uganda’s participation for the consecutive year signals a growing recognition of the country’s potential in the sport, and an opportunity to benchmark against top-performing motocross nations.

As the team jets off to France in the coming days, the entire motorsport fraternity and Ugandan sporting community rally behind them with messages of support and good wishes. This journey represents not just a competition, but a celebration of talent, resilience, and the indomitable Ugandan spirit.

Safe travels and victory to Team Uganda! Fly our flag high!

Jackson Serwanga

AGS – FMU