By Frank Kaheesi

Indeed, the world of motorsport in Uganda is truly a vibrant and exhilarating arena, often. described as a baptism of religion due to the intense levels of adrenaline, passion, and unwavering love it commands among its enthusiasts.

This profound enthusiasm and fervour are openly reflected in the eyes and by the manifold acts of those who actively participate in it, whether they are ardent fans cheering from the sidelines, diligent mechanics ensuring every machine runs smoothly, or the direct participants who thrill at the centre of the action.

To bring this thrilling story into sharper focus, the very first FMU E-sport Championship series burst into life with an electrifying and blazing start that set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable series. Among the eager participants, Isaac ‘Jua Kali’ Katende stood out as one whose journey I followed with keen interest. Seated calmly and collected on the plush comfort sofa at The Fun Station, a renowned virtual reality sport playing arena, he might have seemed unassuming, but beneath that tranquil exterior lay the agility and competitive spirit of a dedicated visual sportsman.

The scene at 0930hrs was one of palpable excitement and eager anticipation as participants began assembling in the racing arena. Every competitor, seemingly surprised yet thrilled, looked around wide-eyed, sharing beaming smiles of recognition with one another. This camaraderie suggested their paths had crossed before, no doubt during various rallying events. On the list of racers were notable figures such as co-drivers Shafik Matovu, Yusuf Babu, experienced rally drivers Umar Dauda, Faisal Kayira ‘Just Bayaye,’ esteemed fans like Isac ‘Jua Kali’ Katende, and several others.

The highlight of the day’s competition was the emergence of Isaac Katende as the victor of this inaugural round of the FMU ESport Championship Series. The event attracted significant attention as Katende outpaced six other skilled racers in this exciting digital racing contest held on Saturday, 30th August 2025, at The Fun Station located in Metroplex Naalya. It proved to be a hotly contested affair, with only a single second setting the difference between Katende and seasoned rally driver Umar ‘It’s Omar’ Dauda as they approached the concluding two stages of the competition.

The Safari Rally Kenya was chosen as the opening round for this ESport Championship Series within the WRC Generations game. Despite a spirited and determined fight from Dauda, it was clearly Katende’s day. Dominating the race, he impressively swept five of the six demanding stages, ultimately clinching victory with a remarkable time of 27 minutes and 20.0 seconds. Umar Dauda, albeit defeated, secured a respectable second place, posting a time of 27 minutes and 57.0 seconds in what was indeed a fierce competition. Motorsport official and seasoned co-driver Shafiq ‘The Shaq’ Matovu showcased his expertise by capturing third position, also winning the distinguished F1 category.

This thrilling competition managed to attract a total of eight enthusiastic participants competing in both the WRC and F1 categories. The FMU ESport Championship series is ambitiously designed to highlight the diverse grassroots pathways available for active participation in motorsport. The world governing body for motorsport, FIA, under the Esports Commission, continues to work diligently in establishing standardized guidelines to support the sustainable growth of ESports in a consistent and regulated manner. ASNs (FIA National Sporting Authorities) have been encouraged to organize a harmonious blend of national and regional ESport events.

Expressing his elation, Isaac ‘Jua Kali’ Katende, the winner of Round 1 FMU ESport Championship Series, claimed: “I am really excited to have come and taken part in this race. I did not expect it to be this much fun. It was also competitive. I hope we can have more motorsport people in the next round.” This sentiment was echoed by Leon Ssenyange, the FMU Esport Coordinator, who said; “The important part is that we have started this initiative. The plan is to have all rounds going on to the end of the year. Our focus though is 2026, where we’ll have a full championship.”

Mirroring the enthusiasm, Hamza Lwanga, a member of the FMU Youth Commission, stated; “This is one of the best things to happen in our motorsport. We can attract young motorsport fans through this initiative. We’ll do everything we can to attract the young people. But we also need partners to come on board and support us.” Round 2 is eagerly anticipated, being scheduled for the first week of October 2025, promising more exciting developments in this innovative championship journey.