The Mountain Dew National Motocross Championship Round Five delivered a thrilling day of racing at Raceway Park, Garuga, as 82 riders battled through intense competition, championship pressure, and challenging track conditions in a crucial stage of the 2026 season.
With only three rounds remaining after this event, the fight for championship honours has become even more intense, with riders across all categories pushing to secure valuable points that could determine their final positions in the standings.
Garuga once again proved why it remains one of Uganda’s most demanding motocross venues, producing exciting battles, close finishes, and performances that highlighted the growing strength of Ugandan motocross talent.
Junior Riders Gain Valuable World Championship Preparation
Round Five carried extra importance for Uganda’s junior riders, who used the event as part of their preparations for the 2026 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship in Jinin, Czech Republic, scheduled for July 3–5.
The competition provided a perfect platform for the young athletes to test their speed, race confidence, fitness, and technical ability before representing Uganda on the international stage.
Uganda will be represented by eight riders at the world championship, including Jerome Mulumba and Abigail Katende in MX65cc, Ethan Jassa Katek, Ramathan Mubiru, Rashid Mutebi, and Jamairah Makumbi in MX85cc, while Miguel Katende and Ali Kimera will compete in MX125cc.
Their performances at Garuga demonstrated the level of preparation and determination required as they prepare to face some of the best junior riders in the world.
The race weekend further reshaped the championship picture, with leading riders under pressure to maintain their advantage as the season enters its final stretch.
In the MX50cc Junior category, the battle at the top remains competitive, with championship leader Saad Nsambu continuing to defend his position against a strong challenge from Riyadh Katerega and other rising talents.
Israel Mpuga maintained his strong campaign in the MX50cc Senior class, where his consistency throughout the season has placed him in a commanding position. However, Ariella Katende and Avisha Ellis Laboke continue to fight for valuable points behind him.
The MX65cc category remains one of the closest championship contests, with Jude Kyle Musede, Emil Segirinya, Jerome Mulumba, and Solomon Winyi separated by a small margin, making every remaining round critical.
In MX85cc, Jonathan Katende continues to set the pace, while Ethan Paul Musede and Ethan Jassa Katek remain among the riders looking to close the gap as the championship heads towards the final rounds.
Miguel Katende’s impressive form in MX125cc Junior has placed him in a strong championship position, with Jerome Mubiru and other competitors continuing their pursuit.
The MX125cc Senior class has been dominated by Gift Ssebuguzi, whose consistency has made him the rider to beat, while Ashraf Mbabazi Junior and Malcolm Benjamin Omoding continue their battle for the remaining podium positions.
The women’s category once again showcased the growing strength and competitiveness of female motocross riders in Uganda. Shamillah Kateete continues to lead the championship after another strong performance this season, but Asia Kasirye remains close behind, keeping the title race alive. Shadia Kateete and Swanswi Sambo also remain firmly involved in the fight for top positions.
As the dust settled at Raceway Park, Garuga left behind another memorable chapter in the 2026 Mountain Dew National Motocross Championship.
The event highlighted not only the battle for national titles but also the development of Uganda’s next generation of motocross stars preparing for international competition.
With the championship entering its final rounds, the pressure will continue to rise. Every race, every position, and every point will now play a crucial role in deciding who will be crowned champions at the end of the season.
