The MTN Busoga Cycling Championships reached a climax as Butembe Chiefdom’s cyclists delivered a dominant efficiency within the last qualifiers, setting the stage for an electrifying finale on February 15. Inspired by the legendary former nationwide crew bicycle owner Asuman Egesa, the One More Child Cycling Club duo of Michael Lobo and Paul Lumuria claimed high honors within the mountain bike class, whereas Dominic Mugoda and John Bosco Onzima triumphed within the Tippa bike class.
The 52 km race, flagged off at Gabula Road in Jinja by Busoga Kingdom’s Minister of Sports, Amin Nkono Bbosa, and MTN Uganda’s Head of Sales for the Busoga area, Dennis Harindimana, noticed 14 cyclists battle it out throughout difficult terrains. The route, which snaked via villages like Buwenda Budondo, Mutai, Wakitaka, Buwekula, Wanyange, and Wairaka, examined the riders’ expertise on slippery surfaces and sharp corners. However, it was the dramatic end between brothers Michael Lobo and Paul Lumuria that stole the present, leaving followers on the sting of their seats.
Lobo clinched victory with a time of 1 hour, 28 minutes, and 28 seconds, crediting his success to the mentorship of Asuman Egesa. “My coach Asuman Egesa is my true mannequin. He impressed me and my brother so much to win this race. Now that I’ve gained at this time, nobody can cease me from profitable within the finals,” mentioned an elated Lobo.
Egesa, who has transitioned from competitor to educate, expressed his pleasure in seeing his protégés excel. “It’s a pleasure to see the One More Child Cycling Club pair undergo. They’ve labored exhausting, and that is only the start,” he remarked.
In the Tippa bike class, Dominic Mugoda emerged victorious with a time of 1 hour, half-hour, and 6 seconds, attributing his win to his superior health ranges. “I’m a bicycle mechanic, so profitable this race impressed me so much. My health ranges have been excessive, and I imagine I can end within the high 5 positions within the finals,” mentioned Mugoda, who will probably be joined by John Bosco Onzima as Butembe’s representatives within the Tippa class.
Mugoda, fired up for the finals, issued a stern warning to his rivals. “In the primary version, I struggled with bike repairs however nonetheless completed fifth. Now, I’ve a steady bike, and nothing can cease me from profitable the highest prize,” he declared, eyeing the grand prize of a bodaboda motorbike staked by sponsors MTN Uganda.
The prize-giving ceremony noticed Busoga Cycling Association Vice Chairperson Adam Abdallah, who additionally serves as Butembe’s biking crew coach, urge finalists to stick to security requirements. “All finalists should flip up with helmets and standardized bicycles for his or her respective classes,” he cautioned.
MTN Uganda’s Dennis Harindimana reiterated the corporate’s dedication to supporting the dominion’s actions. “As lengthy as our prospects proceed to make use of our providers, we are going to stay devoted to initiatives like this,” he mentioned.
Busoga Cycling Association Chairperson Wilson Mugoya additionally addressed considerations over potential interference from bodaboda cyclists through the finals. “We will deploy heavy safety to protect towards any blocking ways by bodaboda riders,” he assured.
The Butembe qualifier marked the top of a two-week marketing campaign that noticed 44 riders from ten chiefdoms safe their spots within the finals. The chiefdoms of Bulamogi, Kigulu, Bugabula, Luuka, Bunhole-Bunhanumba, Bunha, Bukooli, Butembe, Busiki, and Bukono will all be represented in what guarantees to be a fiercely contested championship.
Other notable qualifiers embrace Bugweri’s Aji Kasadha and Umar Isabirye within the mountain bike class, alongside Bosco Ntaganda and Living Kasango in Tippa. Kigulu’s John Odoto and Lukuman Kazimingi will compete in mountain bikes, whereas Magidu Kyawa and Paul Steven signify in Tippa. Busiki’s Bosco Bazaale and Amis Mwiisi may even function within the mountain bike class, with Salim Nabongo and Denis Mutabuza in Tippa.
With the stage set for an exhilarating finale, the MTN Busoga Cycling Championships are poised to ship high-octane motion, showcasing the area’s best biking expertise. As the countdown to February 15 begins, all eyes will probably be on Butembe’s stars and their rivals as they vie for glory in one in all Busoga’s most prestigious sporting occasions.
