The second version of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cycling Championship Finals delivered an electrifying spectacle on Saturday, as reigning champions John Odoto and Tiff Luganda efficiently defended their titles within the Mountain Bike and Tippa Bike classes, respectively.
The grueling 175km race, which took cyclists by means of the bustling routes of Mayuge, Bugiri, and Kaliro earlier than culminating at Bugembe Kingdom headquarters, was a take a look at of endurance, talent, and resilience. All 44 finalists showcased outstanding health ranges, with none requiring medical consideration—a side that left MTN Uganda’s Head of Sponsorship and Events, John Paul Okwi, in awe.
“Had by no means seen such a protracted race accomplished with none casualties. This signifies that all these cyclists are so courageous, and this entails them to be courageous sufficient to keep away from teenage pregnancies,” stated Okwi.
Odoto Outlasts Magemeso in Nail-Biting Finish
Kigulu’s John Odoto placed on a masterclass within the Mountain Bike class, narrowly edging out Luuka’s Mensuramu Magemeso in an exhilarating closing dash. The duo had been locked in an intense battle for supremacy from the 40km mark in Bulanga, exchanging leads till the ultimate stretch. In the top, Odoto surged forward to clinch victory by simply two seconds on the end line in Bugembe.
“I thank my staff from Kigulu that has facilitated me all through my coaching from the Kapchorwa terraces to Iganga on a weekly foundation. I additionally thank MTN and Busoga Kingdom for organizing such tournaments which have led us to win real prizes,” Odoto stated after claiming his second successive title and securing a brand-new motorbike.
Magamese settled for second place, incomes a money prize of UGX 2 million, whereas Bugabula’s Rogers Byansi took third place and UGX 1 million. Muslim Kiwanuka (Luuka) and Meni Kakaire (Bunha) rounded out the highest 5, incomes UGX 500,000 and UGX 300,000, respectively.
Luganda’s Dominance Continues in Tippa Category
In the Tippa Bike class, Bukooli’s Tiff Luganda showcased his class as soon as once more, defending the crown he received in 2022 with one other stellar efficiency. Luganda overcame stiff competitors from Bunha’s Shafik Fama and Butembe’s Dominic Mugoda to safe back-to-back titles.
Like Odoto, Luganda was rewarded with a second consecutive 125CC motorbike. Fama and Mugoda earned UGX 2 million and UGX 1 million for his or her second and third-place finishes, respectively. Kigulu’s Hussein Kigenyi and Magidu Kyawa claimed fourth and fifth place, pocketing UGX 500,000 and UGX 300,000.
Calls for Distance Review Amid Enthusiastic Support
The demanding nature of the race sparked dialogue amongst onlookers, prompting Busoga Kingdom’s Sports Minister to announce plans to collaborate with the technical committee to probably cut back the race distance in future editions. However, the sheer pleasure from followers alongside the route proved that the championship continues to develop in status and recognition throughout the area.
MTN Uganda’s unwavering assist for the competitors was lauded by Busoga Kingdom Prime Minister Muvawala Nsekere, who praised the telecom big for its dedication to fostering grassroots sports activities and group improvement.
The occasion concluded on a heartwarming observe, with Nsekere personally funding three promising 16-year-old finalists—Bosco Bazaale (Busiki), Young Salaka (Bunha), and Hajji Kasadha—as a part of a broader initiative to assist younger expertise in Busoga.
With yet one more profitable version within the books, the MTN Busoga Masaza Cycling Championship continues to cement its place as a premier occasion in Uganda’s biking calendar, delivering high-octane motion and unearthing new biking expertise 12 months after 12 months.
