Uganda’s Motocross Cranes secure bronze in thrilling MXoAN championship

The Motocross Cranes, Uganda’s national motocross team, has made the country proud by clinching third place at the 2025 FIM-Africa Motocross of African Nations (MXoAN) championship held in Harare, Zimbabwe.

South Africa dominated the event, securing top spots in multiple categories, including MX50, MX65, MX Elite, MX2, MX125, and WMX.

The hosts, Zimbabwe, finished second, showcasing impressive skills in MX1 and other classes.

Uganda’s star performers were its junior riders, who excelled in the ladies’ categories.

Hellena Birungi Ainomugisha and Jamairah Makumbi claimed gold medals in the MX50 and MX65 Ladies Junior categories, respectively.

Uganda’s dominance in these categories was evident, with the team scoring 1-2-3 in both events.

Abigail Katende and Abigail Muwanguzi secured second and third places in MX50, while Faith Angel Deedan and Joy Norah Akao took second and third spots in MX65.

Birungi, the 2024 African Women’s champion, demonstrated remarkable skill, competing against boys in the 50CC category and finishing 12th overall.

This achievement highlights Uganda’s potential in motocross, particularly among its junior riders.

Other notable performances came from Jaysen Katek, Israel Mpuga, Alber Muwanguzi, and Janan Makumbi.

Team captain Gift Tabula Ssebuguzi consistently ran fifth overall in the MX125 category.

Riders like Ethan Paul Musedde, Jude Musedde, Miguel Katende, Jonathan Katende, Ethan Katek, Waleed Omar, and Wazir Ali Omar contributed significantly to Uganda’s bronze medal.

Arthur Blick Jnr, FMU’s Deputy Vice President of Motorcycling and team manager, praised the team’s performance, acknowledging the challenging sandy track and commending the riders’ courage, determination, and sportsmanship.

The next stop for the Motocross Cranes will be Namibia in 2026.

The final standings were:

-1. South Africa: 717 points

-2. Zimbabwe: 468 points

-3. Uganda: 284 points

-4. Namibia: 281 points

-5. Botswana: 159 points