FMU warns against unauthorized motorsport events in Fort-Portal City

BY FRANK KAHEESI

The Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU),the legally constituted body to run Motorsport in Uganda, distances itself from an unsanctioned event set to be running Fort Portal City.

According to the press release issued, the Federation received reports of an event being promoted under the name “Gymkhana Dragz & Drift Challenge”, purportedly organized by a group of individuals claiming association with Western Motor Club.

The said event is being advertised for 16th November 2025 in Fort Portal City, and falsely bears the FMU logo,
thereby misleading the public to believe that it is a sanctioned motorsport activity.

“As FMU, we categorically  distance ourselves from this event, and formally inform the general public, sponsors,
and the Uganda Police, that the said activity is not sanctioned, not recognized, and not part of the official FMU sporting calendar.”

In an official release from Federation secretariat, signed by the general Secretary, Reynolds Kibira, it states;

In accordance with the Sports Act, 2023, the organization of sporting activities in Uganda is restricted to entities duly recognized and licensed by the National Council of Sports (NCS) under their respective National Federations.

The FMU, as the sole body mandated to govern motorsport in Uganda, regulates all competitions under the International Statutes of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Fédération Internationale de
Motocyclisme (FIM), ensuring compliance with safety, technical, and organizational standards.

“No individual or group may organise a motorsport competition within Uganda without written approval and sanction from the FMU, in accordance with national and international sporting codes,” emphasized the statement.

It’s further added, Motorsport, by its nature, is an extreme discipline requiring rigorous safety oversight, clearance from relevant authorities, and coordination with security organs – including the Uganda Police Force and the National Council of Sports, under the Ministry of Education and Sports – while closely collaborating with the Ministry of Works and Transport on safety related matters due to the unique nature of the sport, particularly in the issuance of Speed Lifting Instruments.

Thus any unsanctioned event poses serious safety and legal risks to both participants and spectators.

FMU further notes that, the timing of this unauthorized event on 16th November 2025 coincides with a similar, officially scheduled event – the TT and Drifting Challenge organized by Central Motor Club (CMC) at the Nile Resort Hotel, Namanve.

The coincidence of dates and misleading use of FMU’s name and logo appears to be an act of sabotage and
deliberate confusion of the public.

The Federation fore warns the perpetrators that’s it’s well spelt out,
Under Section 54(1) of the Sports Act, 2023, it is an offence to organize, participate in, or promote an illegal or unsanctioned sports event. All persons involved may be held personally
liable for any loss, injury, or damage resulting therefrom.

FMU has accordingly notified the Uganda Police Force, and copies of this communication have been shared with the Regional Police Commander (RPC) and District Police Commander (DPC) Fort Portal City, urging them to take appropriate action to prevent illegal and unsafe motorsport activities.

FMU remains committed to promoting safe, regulated, and professional motorsport in Uganda in line with its Road Safety and Youth Development Mandate under the Ministry of Education and Sports, and in close collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Transport.