By Musa Kikuuno
The MTN Busoga Cycling Championship 2024, in its second edition, culminated in a thrilling and historic grand finale of 175km on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
Held under the bright sun, the championship saw fierce competition among top riders across two major categories: Tippa and Mountain Sports Bike.
In an event that celebrated not only athleticism but also the spirit of community, Luganda Tiffu and Odoto John emerged victorious, making their names etched in history.
Defending Champions Shine
Luganda Tiffu, riding for Bukooli Chiefdom, took home the coveted title in the Tippa category, clinching a new motorcycle (CT 125 HD) along with a cash prize of 2 million shillings. Tiffu’s triumph marks his second consecutive victory in this prestigious race, making him the first rider to successfully defend his title.
“I’m overjoyed to have defended my title. The competition was fierce, but the support from my team and fans kept me going,” said a humbled Luganda Tiffu after the race.
Not far behind, Farmer Shafik from Butembe and Mugoda Dominic from Bunha secured second and third places respectively, each taking home significant cash prizes of 1 million and 500,000 shillings.
Odoto John’s Double Victory
Meanwhile, in the Mountain Sports Bike category, the remarkable Odoto John from Kigulu made history by winning for the second consecutive time. Having previously triumphed with Butembe Chiefdom in 2022, Odoto John made waves as the first rider to win the championship with two different chiefdoms, a monumental achievement in the championship’s history.
“It feels incredible to be the first to win two titles with two different chiefdoms. The race was challenging, but the encouragement from both my team and the fans helped me push through,” Odoto shared, visibly elated.
Odoto’s victory earned him a CT 125 HD motorcycle and 2 million shillings in cash, while his fellow riders, Magemeso Mensuramu from Luuka and Byansi Rogers from Bugabula, secured second and third place, earning 1 million and 500,000 shillings, respectively.
A Strong Finish and Recognition
In addition to the standout performances, a total of 27 riders successfully completed the race, each receiving a token of 50,000 shillings as a gesture of appreciation for their effort and perseverance.
Minister’s Remarks: Support for Sports and Call to End Teenage Pregnancy
The event saw prominent figures expressing their gratitude to MTN Uganda for their support in promoting sports in Busoga. The Minister of Sports for Busoga Kingdom, Owek. Amin Bossa Nkono, took the opportunity to thank MTN Uganda for their sponsorship, noting that the championship had brought pride to the region.
“On behalf of the Busoga Kingdom, I extend our deepest gratitude to MTN Uganda for sponsoring this wonderful championship. Busoga is eager to see more sports events of this magnitude in the future. Thanks to MTN, sports in Busoga has been significantly boosted, and our people have shown immense passion for it,” said Owek Amin Bossa Nkono.
He went on to say that the championship was not just about cycling but a clear example of the growing sports culture within the kingdom. “Sports bring us together as a community. Busoga Kingdom is proud of what we’ve accomplished, and we look forward to continuing this partnership with MTN.”
MTN Uganda’s Commitment to Social Issues
John Paul Okwi, a representative from MTN Uganda, also addressed the gathering. He thanked the people of Busoga for their enthusiasm and urged them to channel the same energy from the championship into addressing the issue of teenage pregnancy.
“Today, we have seen incredible passion and energy from everyone here. I call upon all of you to use this energy to fight teenage pregnancy. At MTN Uganda, we are committed to supporting initiatives aimed at ending teenage pregnancies, and we will continue to stand behind this cause,” said Okwi.
Katikiro’s Call for Action
The Katikiro of Busoga Kingdom, Owek. Joseph Muvawala Nsekere, echoed the call to action, emphasizing the importance of ending teenage pregnancies. He made a powerful appeal to the men of Busoga to take a leading role in this effort.
“We must all join hands in putting an end to teenage pregnancies. I particularly urge the men in our society to take responsibility and lead by example. This is a battle that requires all of us,” said Owek. Muvawala Nsekere.
He also expressed his gratitude towards MTN Uganda for their unwavering support of the Busoga Kingdom and for standing with the people of Busoga. “MTN Uganda has been a true partner, and we are grateful for the support they have shown in uplifting our community through initiatives like this championship.”
List of Winners and Prizes:
Tippa Category:
1. Luganda Tiffu – Bukooli
Prize: New Motorcycle (CT 125 HD) + 2 Million Shillings (Cash)
2. Farmer Shafik – Butembe
Prize: 1 Million Shillings (Cash)
3. Mugoda Dominic – Bunha
Prize: 500,000 Shillings (Cash)
4. Kigenyi Hussein – Kigulu
Prize: 300,000 Shillings (Cash)
5. Kyawa Magidu – Luuka
Prize: 300,000 Shillings (Cash)
Mountain Sports Bike Category:
1. Odoto John – Kigulu
Prize: New Motorcycle (CT 125 HD) + 2 Million Shillings (Cash)
2. Magemeso Mensuramu – Luuka
Prize: 1 Million Shillings (Cash)
3. Byansi Rogers – Bugabula
Prize: 500,000 Shillings (Cash)
4. Kiwanuka Musilimu – Luuka
Prize: 300,000 Shillings (Cash)
5. Kakaire Meni – Bunha
Prize: 300,000 Shillings (Cash)
Additional Finishers: 27 other riders received a token of 50,000 Shillings each for completing the race.
As the championship came to a close, the excitement and sense of unity in Busoga were palpable, with a collective call for continued growth in sports and a shared commitment to tackling critical social issues like teenage pregnancy. The MTN Busoga Cycling Championship 2024 will surely be remembered as a turning point for sports in the region, with the community eagerly anticipating more championships in the years to come.
