FMU ESport championship series starts with a bang

The world of motorsport in Uganda is a vibrant and exhilarating arena, commanding intense passion and love from its enthusiasts.

The inaugural FMU E-sport Championship series burst into life with an electrifying start, setting the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable series.

The event, held on Saturday, August 30th, 2025, at The Fun Station in Metroplex Naalya, drew significant attention from motorsport fans and professionals alike.

The competition featured a star-studded lineup of participants, including co-drivers Shafik Matovu and Yusuf Babu, experienced rally drivers Umar Dauda and Faisal Kayira ‘Just Bayaye,’ and esteemed fans like Isaac ‘Jua Kali’ Katende.

The atmosphere was electric, with participants sharing beaming smiles of recognition and exchanging words of camaraderie.

In a thrilling contest, Isaac Katende emerged victorious, outpacing six other skilled racers in the digital racing contest.

The Safari Rally Kenya was chosen as the opening round for this ESport Championship Series within the WRC Generations game.

Katende dominated the race, sweeping five of the six demanding stages and clinching victory with a remarkable time of 27 minutes and 20.0 seconds.

The competition was hotly contested, with only a single second setting the difference between Katende and seasoned rally driver Umar Dauda as they approached the concluding two stages.

Dauda secured a respectable second place, posting a time of 27 minutes and 57.0 seconds.

Motorsport official and seasoned co-driver Shafiq Matovu showcased his expertise by capturing third position, also winning the distinguished F1 category.

The FMU ESport Championship series is designed to highlight the diverse grassroots pathways available for active participation in motorsport.

The world governing body for motorsport, FIA, continues to work diligently in establishing standardized guidelines to support the sustainable growth of ESports.

The series has garnered significant attention, with eight enthusiastic participants competing in both the WRC and F1 categories.

“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,” said Isaac ‘Jua Kali’ Katende, the winner of Round 1 FMU ESport Championship Series.

“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,” said Leon Ssenyange, the FMU Esport Coordinator.

“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,” said Hamza Lwanga, a member of the FMU Youth Commission.

The second round of the FMU ESport Championship series is eagerly anticipated, scheduled for the first week of October 2025.

With its innovative approach and enthusiastic participants, this championship promises to be an exciting development in the world of motorsport.