By Musa Kikuuno, Busoga Times Sports Writer: WhatsApp: 0756322265
The long-awaited second edition of the MTN Busoga Cycling Championships, also known as “Obugaali Bwa Amasaza Ga Busoga,” is set to be launched on Friday, January 10, 2025. The launch will be graced by His Majesty William Wilberforce Kadumbula Gabula Nadiope IV, the Kyabazinga (King) of Busoga, at the Busoga Kingdom Headquarters in Bugembe, Jinja City, starting at 10:00 AM.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, the Minister for Sports in Busoga Kingdom, Owek. Amin Bbosa Nkono, emphasized the importance of this event in fostering unity, cultural pride, and regional sports development. He encouraged all 11 counties of Busoga – Bugabula, Kigulu, Luuka, Butembe, Bukooli, Bunha, Busiki, Bulamogi, Bukono, Bunhole-Bunanhumba, and Bugweri – to send their top cyclists to the registration event on Friday.
“The main goal of this championship is to unite the people of Busoga through the sport of cycling while showcasing our local talent. We expect each of the 11 counties to field their best cyclists for what promises to be an exciting competition,” Owek. Nkono said.
The competition, originally slated for 2024, was delayed and will now take place under the banner of the 2024 edition. The Minister noted that, during the launch event on Friday, cyclists will have the opportunity to register for the championship, and those who fail to do so will not be eligible to compete.
Same categories, new energy
The MTN Busoga Cycling Championship will feature two categories, which were part of the first edition in 2022 and remain unchanged for 2024: Maanhi Ga Kifuba (manual bicycles) and Mountain Bikes. These categories ensure that both traditional and modern cycling enthusiasts have a chance to compete.
The championship was first held in 2022 and drew 50 cyclists, each representing one of Busoga’s 11 counties. The race featured a grueling 188-kilometer route that stretched from the Kyabazinga’s headquarters in Bugembe, through various towns including Jinja, Iganga, Kaliro, Namwendwa, Kamuli, Buwenge, and back to Bugembe.
The first edition saw Tiffu Luganda of Bukooli County emerge as the overall winner in the manual bicycle category, while John Odoto from Butembe County claimed victory in the sports bike category. Luganda won a brand-new Bajaj Boxer motorcycle worth UGX 5.5 million, while Odoto took home a TVS motorcycle worth UGX 4.7 million. Cash prizes and a participatory reward of UGX 50,000 were also awarded to the top competitors.
2022 MTN Busoga Cycling Championship Winners and Prizes
Ordinary Bike Category (188 Kilometers):
Tiffu Luganda (Bukooli) – Brand New Bajaj Boxer motorcycle worth UGX 5,500,000
Younger Brian (Kigulu) – UGX 2,000,000
Majidu Kyaawa (Bukooli) – UGX 1,000,000
Julius Magumba (Bugweri) – UGX 500,000
Muzira Hakimu (Bunha) – UGX 300,000
Sports Bike Category (188 Kilometers):
John Odoto (Butembe) – Brand New TVS motorcycle worth UGX 4,700,000
Kiwanuka Silimu (Luuka) – UGX 2,000,000
Mayinja Wakiiku Hussein (Kigulu) – UGX 1,000,000
Dominic Mugooda (Butembe) – UGX 500,000
Shafiq Mumba (Bunha) – UGX 300,000
A Boost for cycling in Busoga
The championship is sponsored by telecommunications giant MTN Uganda, which has played a key role in boosting the event. The sponsorship provides significant support for prizes and logistics, ensuring that the championship is a landmark event in the Busoga region’s sporting calendar.
The 2024 championship promises to be even bigger and better, with a larger pool of competitors expected and greater prizes to be unveiled at the launch event on January 10.
Encouraging participation and spectatorship
Minister Amin Nkono encouraged cyclists from across the region to attend the registration event and take part in the championship. He noted that the event is not just about competition, but about promoting health, community spirit, and regional pride.
The 2024 edition of the MTN Busoga Cycling Championships is expected to be a historic event, with a larger turnout of cyclists, spectators, and a series of exciting races. The kingdom is urging people of all ages to come out and support their local heroes on January 10 at the Busoga Kingdom Headquarters in Bugembe.
