Uganda to host the Motor Cross Africa nations championships

Mountain Dew has injected 50 million shillings into the Uganda Motor Sport Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme -FIM Africa Motocross African nation’s championships due to take place this weekend at Garuga.

More than 140 riders are expected to participate in the international event organized by the Federation of Motorsports Clubs of Uganda [FMU] on the 20^th and 21^st of August.

Grace Namutebi the brand manager of Mountain Dew handed over the cheque to Dipu Ruparelia, the FMU President as they unveiled the Uganda Motor cross crane team to represent the country at the contest.

“I want to thank FMU and FIM Africa for the opportunity to come on board as title sponsors, this is another level for us to continue to grow the sport “she said

Mountain Dew will be offering media support for the championships across 30 radio stations, events logistics, tents, chairs, refreshments for riders and officials. 

FMU president Dipu revealed that riders from Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Tanzania have confirmed their participation at the event.

“Despite the challenges faced, this organizing team has done all that is possible to ensure that the event happens, and indeed with the blessing of FIM Africa, it’s going to happen.  I am happy  to testify that FIM Africa approved our race grounds “   he explained

These championships were meant to be held in 2020 but were shelved due to COVID-19 pandemic that hit the world bringing several activities to a halt.

The new minister of state for sports Peter Ogwang officiated at the unveiling of the team at  Speke Resort Munyonyo on Wednesday.

“Sport is important for social and communal cohesion. Engaging sports is a sure way of promoting unity and co-existence in a society. It’s also a sure way of building synergies towards a common goal” minister Ogwang noted.

He expressed pride in hosting the most prestigious motor cross international event in Uganda.

“Holding this event in Uganda simply means that Uganda is going to be in the spotlight.   This also means that we must be able to showcase the best of the Pearl of Africa “he asserted.

The Uganda Motor Cross Crane team of riders will be led by Alistair Blick.  UPC president and Lira Municipality Member of Parliament Jimmy Akena,  the oldest rider in the Ugandan team, will participate in the tournament.

Other event sponsors are Stanbic Bank, VIVO Energy Uganda, Lato Milk, Speke Resort Munyonyo  and national carrier Uganda Airlines.