This was the first motorcycling event held in the country ever since the ban on sports activities due to Covid-19 last year. However, the race organised under the auspices of the Motorcycling Association of Uganda (MAU), has been declared a non-competitive event because it was not sanctioned by the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU), the country’s sport ruling body.
MAU is a breakaway faction formed last year by a group of parents of riders and fans who felt FMU was not doing enough to grow motorcycling as a sport in the country. In a petition filed last year, MAU argued that FMU should concentrate on rallying and leave cycling to be run by a separate body.
They also argued that neither does FMU give priority to motorcycling events on calendar nor does the sport get government support. But in the aftermath of NCS refusing to recognize MAU and its activities, all riders in the Busiika-based camp must get a nod from FMU to compete in both national and international accredited races. Going forward, NCS advised MAU to go back and engage FMU on their grievances.
However, MAU spokesman Julius Bukenya claimed FMU has been reluctant on resolving their issues.
“They have never responded to us with a clear commitment on the issues raised; so, we’re simply doing our challenges for fun; these races are not for the championship,” Katende said after last Sunday’s event, which attracted 55 riders at Busiika. Kisitu Mayanja, the FMU deputy vice president, says the door is still open for riders attached to MAU… Mayanja said: “This is a case of a parent and a runaway child; so, we shall solve everything as a family…. “Personally, I’m in an akward situation because I have grandchildren that side… but FMU is still open to negotiations and whoever comes back, we’ll give them a license.” “I’m optimistic this issue will be resolved sooner than later,” he added.
To get an annual competitor license, riders apply through their clubs to FMU at a fee of Shs 100,000 each. It’s worth noting that motorcycling is an expensive sport, which explains its association with the rich class. For instance, a brand new motorcycle (50cc) for starters, aged between five and nine years, costs at least Shs 14 million.
SEASON SET
Meanwhile, FMU has confirmed its calendar year will flag off in March with an Enduro event, which will be held either in Jinja or Wakiso districts. Enduro is a race featuring motorcycle and quad riders restricted to three hours, with some agreed intervals to refuel.
The season-opening Enduro event will be followed by the Fim East and Central Africa Motocross championship to be hosted at Garuga track on Easter Sunday in April. The biggest event on schedule is the delayed 2020 FIM Africa Nations championship set for August 6-8 at Garuga.
Kisitu says Uganda plans to field a full team in the event. A full time includes five riders in each of the 50cc, 65cc, 85cc, 125cc, MX1, MX11 and MX (veterans) as well as women MX classes. Already, some of Uganda’s riders have stepped up their preps by seeking international exposure from neighbouring countries.
Last week, four riders; Jonathan Katende, Keith Aine Deedaan, Ally Kimera and Jerome Mubiru participated in Kenya’s second round championship event. Led by Ssemakula, the riders say they gained as much experience that could come in handy during the continental championship.
Top riders from South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Egypt and Morocco are expected to compete in the event. On FMU’s part, technical and physical preparations are ongoing. The redesign and construction work to improve Garuga circuit track are in progress while registration of riders has also started.
According to Kisitu, more than 45 riders had by last week applied for riding numbers, confirming their willingness to compete in FMU calendar events this season. SOPs All events will be under strict observance of standard operating procedures issued by the ministry of Health to safeguard against the spread of Covid-19.
Kisitu Mayanya said FMU is engaging government to help out Covid-19 testing for riders and their crew members. Government has allowed not more 200 fans, including the riders, their crews and organisers.
mugalu@observer.ug