The engines are warming up, the riders are preparing for battle, and Uganda’s motocross season is approaching its defining moment. On Sunday, 25 October, Garuga Raceway will host the final round of the 2026 MX Championship, where a season of speed, skill and determination culminates in the crowning of this year’s champions.
At the championship launch held at Amazon Residence, riders and teams put their preparations on display ahead of a decisive weekend that promises intense competition across the different categories, from MX 50 Junior and Senior to MX 65 Ladies and Male, MX 85, MX 125, MX 1 and MX 2, as well as MX Women, every category has a championship battle to settle. With the final points at stake, consistency, composure and execution could make the difference between finishing the season as a contender and leaving Garuga as a champion.
But beyond the competition, the launch offered a glimpse into the people and partnerships working to grow motocross in Uganda.
Arthur Blick: Partnerships and media are vital to the sport’s growth
Deputy Vice President and veteran rally driver Arthur Blick used the launch to recognize the institutions, sponsors, partners, organizers and media whose contributions continue to support the development of motorcycling in Uganda, he expressed appreciation to the Government, National Council of Sports, Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) and the event’s partners, including Mountain Dew, which he recognized for its 17 years of involvement, alongside new partners Amazon Seeds and Amazon Residence.
Blick emphasized the importance of sustained partnerships in building the sport, while highlighting the role journalists and media platforms play in bringing motocross to a wider audience “The media, your participation in all this is very key to the development of the sport,” Blick said. His message extended beyond reporting race results. Media coverage helps introduce new audiences to the sport, showcase riders and teams, attract commercial partners and build public interest in a discipline that relies on visibility and continued investment to grow.
He also gave special recognition to Southern Motor Club, the event organizers, acknowledging the considerable work and sacrifices involved in putting together motorsport competitions as Uganda prepares to crown its 2026 champions, those partnerships remain an important part of the wider effort to strengthen the sport beyond the racetrack.
George Semakula: Managing a demanding final-round programme
For Clerk of the Course George Semakula, the focus is on ensuring that the competition runs smoothly despite a packed race-day programme, he planned sequence of activities, which includes administrative inspections, safety checks, official practice and a joint riders’ meeting before the competitive programme proceeds.
The day will also feature the ladies’ competition, alongside the other scheduled races leading to the final contests with numerous categories and activities to accommodate, time management will be essential. Administrative procedures, safety preparations and coordination between officials and competitors all contribute to the smooth running of a race meeting. The final round is therefore not only a test for riders and their machines. It is also a major operational exercise for the officials and organizers responsible for delivering a well-coordinated event.
At Garuga, the objective will be to keep the programme moving while ensuring that riders are prepared and the competition proceeds according to schedule.
Fabian Trossen: Germany guest rider arrives still rebuilding his form
Adding an international dimension to the finale is Germany motocross rider Fabian Trossen, who joins the event as a guest rider, his story is one of returning to competition, rebuilding confidence and testing his abilities in a different racing environment.
Trossen explained that after an incident during the winter period, he spent four months away from riding, concentrating on gym training before returning to the bike two months ago. He subsequently competed in a few races, using them as an opportunity to regain his rhythm and racing fitness ahead of his appearance in Uganda.
“I’m at the moment at about 60%,” Trossen said, acknowledging that he is still working towards full competitive fitness, despite the challenge, his ambition remains clear: to give his best against a field of riders he considers fast and competitive.
He also highlighted the differences between motocross in Uganda and the racing environment he is accustomed to in Germany and elsewhere in Europe, he described the Ugandan tracks as fast and enjoyable, contrasting them with Germany circuits, which he said tend to be slower and more technical, featuring deep ruts and long jumps, having previously trained on Ugandan tracks with his coach during the winter, he has some familiarity with the local conditions. However, adapting to differences in the racing environment and motorcycle setup remains part of the challenge.
His participation offers another point of interest at the finale: a visiting European rider competing alongside Uganda’s motocross community as the local championship reaches its conclusion.
For Trossen, the weekend is an opportunity to assess his progress after time away from the bike. For the local riders, it is another competitive test on a stage where every performance counts.
A season’s work comes down to one weekend
Championship finales carry a different kind of pressure. Riders have spent the season accumulating points, refining their technique and working with their teams. Now, the remaining opportunity to influence the final standings is at hand across the MX categories, the demands will vary, but the objective remains the same: deliver when it matters most.
For the younger competitors, the finale represents an opportunity to demonstrate how far they have progressed. For the more experienced riders, it is a chance to turn a season of hard work into championship recognition. The MX Women category will also be part of the action as riders compete for their place in the final championship standings.
Behind every competitor is a wider team effort involving mechanics, coaches, families, sponsors, officials and organizers. Their contributions may not always be visible during a race, but they are part of what makes the championship possible. The remarks from Blick, the preparations outlined by Semakula and Trossen’s return-to-racing journey each reflect a different part of the sport: development, organization and competition.
On Sunday, those elements come together at Garuga Raceway, the engines will roar, the riders will push their limits, and the chequered flag will bring the season’s decisive battles to a close.
One final battle. One final chance. A new group of champions will be crowned.
The question now is simple: who will rise to the occasion and finish the 2026 MX Championship on top?
