By Frank Kaheesi

The resilient and courageous Motocross Cranes make their triumphant return to their homeland, carrying with them not just their racing gear but also a sense of overwhelming pride, having secured third place at the esteemed 2025 FIM-Africa Motocross of African Nations (MXoAN) competition.

This prestigious event was held at the renowned Donnybrook Park in Harare, Zimbabwe, a location that has become synonymous with high-level motocross competitions.

The initial group of riders, along with their devoted parents, arrived back on Monday evening and rest Tuesday, their spirits high.

Their heartfelt admiration and appreciation for the MX Cranes were evident, celebrating the team for clinching the bronze medal despite encountering a few challenges along the way.

Gift Tabula Ssebuguzi, the captain of the team, emphasized the necessity of fostering strong team cohesion as crucial preparation for any international representation or competition. He stressed the importance of organizing joint training sessions before embarking on international engagements, as these gatherings help to strengthen the bond and understanding among the riders.

In recounting specific incidents, Ssebuguzi highlighted a moment when Hellena Birungi, one of the team members, faced a setback with her bike. It stubbornly refused to start during the second heat, leaving her stranded at the starting gate while others sped off.

This unfortunate scenario was attributed to the lack of thorough testing of equipment before the race, an oversight that the team recognized needed rectifying.

A major hurdle for the Ugandan team at the 2025 MXoAN event was adapting to the demanding sandy track.

Many riders expressed a need for more practice on such surfaces to secure better outcomes in future competitions.

This challenge signals a clear directive for the Federation – they must invest significantly in constructing sandy race tracks across Uganda if the MX Cranes aim to compete with formidable motocross powerhouses like South Africa.

Beyond the track conditions, financial constraints were another issue raised by the riders, who felt their performance was hindered by a lack of sufficient funding. As a result, some of the star riders couldn’t afford to attend the championship.

However, gratitude was collectively expressed towards Paul Musedde and Joshua Muwanguzi, whose administrative support stood out, as they also played the role of the best fans for Team Uganda.

Despite these obstacles, the riders displayed unwavering positivity and determination, managing to secure an overall third-place finish.

The team’s most glorious moments came from the junior ladies’ performances in the MX50 and MX65 events. Especially notable was Hellena Birungi Ainomugisha, who defended her African Championship title with grit and perseverance.

Even after her bike stalled at the start of heat 2, fortune favored her with a miraculous recovery by her mechanics, allowing her to rejoin the race and finish impressively.

Another shining star was Jamairah Makumbi, who dominated all three heats in the MX65 junior ladies category, earning the title of African Champion.

Together with teammates Faith Angel Deedan and Joy Norah Akao, they completed a sweep of the top podium spots.

Such achievements were met with joyous celebrations and congratulatory cheers from the parents.

FIM-Africa acknowledged Uganda’s commendable performance at this 23rd edition of the event with an appreciation letter, dated Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

The MXoAN 2025 was not merely a showcase of racing prowess but a celebration of growth, spirit, and sportsmanship.

From the thrilling races in Zimbabwe to Uganda’s inspiring ascent, along with Madagascar’s resilience and Namibia’s exciting return, this year’s event truly highlighted the core values that matter: respect, determination, and leadership, both on and off the track.

With Namibia confirmed to host in 2026 and the significant 25th anniversary looming in 2027, the future looks exceptionally promising for African motocross.

Enthusiasts and participants alike can view the full appreciation letter from FIM-Africa on their official website, FIM-Africa.com.