Uganda has for the first time ever sent a team of three riders to the World Junior Motocross championships set to be held in Bucharest, Romania.
The world championships are slated for this weekend 7th-9th July 2023.
Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda deputy vice president of Motorcycling, Kisitu Mayanja saw off the team at Entebbe International Airport.
“We are glad to have a team at the world motocross championships for the first time,” said a beaming Mayanja.
“It’s unfortunate, we missed out on the services Larry Ssekamwa on the team due to Visa challenges, but am confident the team going will raise our flag high,” he added.
Considering the criterion of best lap speed times, and rider CV, Uganda also misses out on the services of Waleed Omar and Aron Orland in the 125CC, who missed out on the travel team to Romania due to logistics and Nationality issues respectively.
“Am grateful the Federation managed to facilitate the team with FIM license payment, bike hiring, air tickets, team jerseys plus accommodation and hiring an event mechanic,” explained Mayanja.
The leader of the delegation, George Ssemakula, explained that the trio will first be tested in qualifying rounds, with only 40 riders qualifying in the 65 CC category out of over 65 riders.
Ssemakula added that the qualifiers for 65CC, 85 CC, and 125 CC will be on Friday and Saturday, with the final race on Sunday.
Meanwhile, all Ugandan riders have retained their local race numbers plates a significant recognition for their abilities by the world body, FIM( Federation International Motocyclisme).
Jonathan will ride on bike number 19, Miguel will be on 199, and Ssebuguzi will ride on bike 16.
Riders vow to impress:
Jonathan Katende Ssemakula, Uganda’s number two in the 65 CC category says; their main target is first to qualify, then see how they fare in the main race.
Miguel Katende, Africa’s number two in the 65 CC class, prayed they travel safely to Romania, qualify, and settle their scores at the battle line.
Gift Tabula Ssebuguzi, Africa’s number one 85CC, says; He is privileged to be part of the Ugandan team for world championships and hopes to raise the country flag high in Romania.
The team is expected back in the country on 11th July 2023.
Photo Credit: Innocent Mutaawe
