The second edition of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cycling Championship roared into action over the weekend, with thrilling preliminary races held across several chiefdoms. The event showcased the spirit and unity of the Busoga region, as passionate crowds cheered on competitors aiming to qualify for the grand finale slated for February 15th, 2025, in Jinja City.
Bulamogi Chiefdom Sets the Pace
Excitement gripped Bulamogi Chiefdom, Kaliro District, on Saturday, January 18th, 2025, as residents lined the roads to witness the cyclists battle it out for glory. The qualifiers were flagged off at Namukooge Trading Centre, taking participants through a challenging route encompassing Lumbuye, Bulumba, Bumaana, Nankoola, and Kaliro Town Council before returning to Namukooge.
The competition featured two categories: Tippa (Gaali Ensoga) and Mountain Sport Bikes. Kisambira Yazid triumphed in the Tippa category, followed by Naikamba Daniel, Basalirwa Asumani, Magala Jamiru, and Kawuba Sadam. In the Mountain Sport Bike category, Mukisa Amos took first place, with Baluwa Bernard and Oloyi Paul rounding out the top three. The top two finishers in each category secured spots in the finals and received cash prizes handed out by Busoga Kingdom’s Minister of Sports, Owekitiibwa Amin Bbosa, who lauded MTN for its partnership with the kingdom.
Luuka Chiefdom Delivers Drama
The cycling fever continued in Luuka Chiefdom, where another set of qualifiers captivated the locals. In the Tippa category, Andrew Musitwa emerged victorious, with Rashid Mulondo, Basalirwa Abbasa, Kamadha Nyiro, and Bogere Andrew completing the top five. Meanwhile, the Mountain Sport Bike competition saw Mensuramu Magemeso claim top honors, closely followed by Kiwanuka Musirimu, Bikumbi Geoffrey, Awuye Paul, and Young Lawrence.
High-Octane Action in Bunhole-Bunhanumba and Bukooli
Day two of the qualifiers on Sunday saw breathtaking races in Bunhole-Bunhanumba and Bukooli Chiefdoms, despite challenging humid and dusty conditions. In Bunhole-Bunhanumba, 22-year-old Nelson Lukakamwa stole the show in the Mountain Sport Bike category, completing the 75km race in 1 hour, 24 minutes, and 8 seconds. His strategy to lead from start to finish paid off, earning him victory over local favorite Ben Masaba by just 15 seconds. “My training has improved my speed, and I’m now targeting a top-three finish in the finals,” said Lukakamwa.
Lukakamwa and Masaba will be joined by Tippa category winners Bashir Damba and Ivan Waiswa as Bunhole-Bunhanumba’s representatives. Chiefdom coordinator Dan Kalema urged the qualified cyclists to enhance their speed and train on more challenging routes to compete at the highest level.
In Bukooli Chiefdom, the 2022 Tippa champion Tiff Luganda showcased his dominance, clinching first place ahead of Sam Malinzi, Jolly Igogo, and Banuli Byanguwa. The Mountain Sport Bike race saw Asuman Mwondha and Tanansi Bogere secure qualification with stellar performances.
MTN and the Spirit of Busoga
MTN’s Marketing Manager, Dennis Harindimana, expressed delight at the enthusiasm displayed by the participants and the unifying spirit of sports. “I have witnessed the passion Busoga residents have for sports, and MTN is proud to support this initiative,” he said. The championship’s organizing committee emphasized discipline and commitment as key to success, urging participants to maintain focus as they prepare for the finals.
With representatives from Bulamogi, Luuka, Bunhole-Bunhanumba, and Bukooli Chiefdoms confirmed, all eyes now turn to Jinja City for the grand finale. The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as the region’s top cyclists vie for ultimate glory in the MTN Busoga Masaza Cycling Championship.
