By Musa Kikuuno, Busoga Times Sports Writer ll whatsapp 075632265
The stage is set for an exciting showdown as the best cyclists from across Busoga prepare to compete in the Grand Finale of the MTN Busoga Annual Cycling Championship on February 15, 2025.
With 44 top riders qualifying through grueling preliminary races, all eyes will be on the two categories: the Tippa Bike (Maanhi Ga Kifuuba) and Mountain Sports Bike.
The stakes are high, as the competition promises thrilling action and prestigious rewards, including brand-new motorcycles for the champions.
The journey to the final has been nothing short of exhilarating. The preliminary races took place from January 18 to February 2, 2025, across various chiefdoms in Busoga, with riders battling for their spot in the finale.
Cyclists from the 11 chiefdoms of Busoga, including Luuka, Bulamogi, Bukooli, Bugabula, Bukono, Busiki, Bunha, Kigulu, Bugweri, Butembe, and Bunhole Bunhanhumba, competed fiercely, each striving to secure a place in the prestigious final race.
In the Tippa Bike category, 22 cyclists emerged victorious, including the top finishers from the regions of Luuka, Bugabula, Bukooli, and beyond. Notable names like Musitwa Andrew from Luuka, Mulondo Rashid from Luuka, Defending champion Luganda Tiffu of Bukooli and Damba Bashir from Bunhole Bunhanhumba are among the qualified cyclists.
Similarly, the Mountain Sports Bike category saw the best riders from across the chiefdoms earn their place in the final, with cyclists such as defending champion Jonh Odoto from Kigulu, 16 year old Bazaale Bosco from Busiki, Magemeso Mensuramu and Kiwanuka Musirimu from Luuka making it through.
The grand finale will be a 188 km race, with cyclists facing a demanding course that will test their endurance and skill. All 44 finalists are guaranteed a UGX 50,000 reward from MTN Uganda, the event’s main sponsor, but the real prizes await the top finishers.
The ultimate prize for the winner is a brand-new motorcycle, while second-place finishers will walk away with UGX 2,000,000, and third-place cyclists will receive UGX 1,000,000. The fourth and fifth-place finishers will earn UGX 500,000 and UGX 300,000, respectively. Cyclists who finish outside the top five will also be honored with a token of UGX 50,000 for their participation.
As the countdown to the grand finale continues, anticipation is building for what promises to be an unforgettable day of cycling action. With top-tier athletes from across the region gearing up for the race of their lives, the MTN Busoga Annual Cycling Championship promises to be a thrilling and historic event for both participants and spectators alike.
Finalists for the 2025 Tippa Bike Category final
1. Musitwa Andrew (Luuka)
2. Mulondo Rasgid (Luuka)
3. Kisambira Yazid (Bulamogi)
4. Naikambi Daniel (Bulamogi)
5. Damba Bashir (Bunhole Bunhanhumba)
6. Waiswa Ivan (Bunhole Bunhanhumba)
7. Luganda Tifu (Bukooli)
8. Malinzi Sam (Bukooli)
9. Ssebowa Joseph (Bugabula)
10. Mugula Yasin (Bugabula)
11. Kuluseni Latif (Bukono)
12. Rambo Yusuf (Bukono)
13. Nabongo Salim (Busiki)
14. Mutabuza Denis (Busiki)
15. Fama Shafik (Bunha)
16. Kigenyi Hussein (Bunha)
17. Magidu Kyawa (Kigulu)
18. Steven Paul (Kigulu)
19. Ntaganda Bosco (Bugweri)
20. Kasango Living (Bugweri)
21. Mugoda Dominic (Butembe)
22. Onzima John Bosco (Butembe)
2025 Mountain Sports Bike Category finalists
1. Magemeso Mensuramu (Luuka)
2. Kiwanuka Musirimu (Luuka)
3. Mukisa Amos (Bulamogi)
4. Baluwa Benard (Bulamogi)
5. Lukakamwa Nelson (Nuhmole Bunhanhumba)
6. Masaba Ben (Bunhole Bunhanhumba)
7. Mwondha Asumani (Bukooli)
8. Bogere Dauda (Bukooli)
9. Bamutaze Wycliff (Bugabula)
10. Byansi Rogers (Bugabula)
11. Waiswa Isiko (Bukono)
12. Munyangala Furasiko (Bukono)
13. Bazaale Bosco (Busiki)
14. Mwisi Amis (Busiki)
15. Kakaire Meni (Bunha)
16. Young Salaka (Bunha)
17. Odoto John (Kigulu)
18. Lukuman Kazimingi (Kigulu)
19. Kasadha Aji (Bugweri)
20. Isabirye Umar Nawampendo (Bugweri)
21. Lobo Micheal (Butembe)
22. Paul Lomuria (Butembe)
