Egesa’s Legacy Shines as Butembe Cyclists Dominate Qualifiers of the MTN Busoga Cycling Championships.
The MTN Busoga Cycling Championships reached a climax as Butembe Chiefdom’s cyclists
delivered a dominant performance in the final qualifiers, setting the stage for an electrifying
finale on February 15. Inspired by the legendary former national team cyclist Asuman Egesa,
the One More Child Cycling Club duo of Michael Lobo and Paul Lumuria claimed top honors in
the mountain bike category, while Dominic Mugoda and John Bosco Onzima triumphed in the
Tippa bike category.
The 52 km race, flagged off at Gabula Road in Jinja by Busoga Kingdom’s Minister of Sports,
Amin Nkono Bbosa, and MTN Uganda’s Head of Sales for the Busoga region, Dennis
Harindimana, saw 14 cyclists battle it out across challenging terrains. The route, which snaked
through villages like Buwenda Budondo, Mutai, Wakitaka, Buwekula, Wanyange, and Wairaka,
tested the riders’ skills on slippery surfaces and sharp corners. However, it was the dramatic
finish between brothers Michael Lobo and Paul Lumuria that stole the show, leaving fans on the
edge of their seats.
Lobo clinched victory with a time of 1 hour, 28 minutes, and 28 seconds, crediting his success
to the mentorship of Asuman Egesa. “My coach Asuman Egesa is my true model. He inspired
me and my brother a lot to win this race. Now that I have won today, no one can stop me from
winning in the finals,” said an elated Lobo.
Egesa, who has transitioned from competitor to coach, expressed his pride in seeing his
protégés excel. “It’s a joy to see the One More Child Cycling Club pair go through. They’ve
worked hard, and this is just the beginning,” he remarked.
In the Tippa bike category, Dominic Mugoda emerged victorious with a time of 1 hour, 30
minutes, and 6 seconds, attributing his win to his superior fitness levels. “I am a bicycle
mechanic, so winning this race inspired me a lot. My fitness levels were high, and I believe I can
finish in the top five positions in the finals,” said Mugoda, who will be joined by John Bosco
Onzima as Butembe’s representatives in the Tippa category.
Mugoda, fired up for the finals, issued a stern warning to his competitors. “In the first edition, I
struggled with bike repairs but still finished fifth. Now, I have a stable bike, and nothing can stop
me from winning the top prize,” he declared, eyeing the grand prize of a bodaboda motorcycle
staked by sponsors MTN Uganda.
The prize-giving ceremony saw Busoga Cycling Association Vice Chairperson Adam Abdallah,
who also serves as Butembe’s cycling team coach, urge finalists to adhere to safety standards.
“All finalists must turn up with helmets and standardized bicycles for their respective categories,”
he cautioned.
MTN Uganda’s Dennis Harindimana reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting the
kingdom’s activities. “As long as our customers continue to use our services, we will remain
dedicated to initiatives like this,” he said.
Busoga Cycling Association Chairperson Wilson Mugoya also addressed concerns over
potential interference from bodaboda cyclists during the finals. “We will deploy heavy security to
guard against any blocking tactics by bodaboda riders,” he assured.
The Butembe qualifier marked the end of a two-week campaign that saw 44 riders from ten
chiefdoms secure their spots in the finals. The chiefdoms of Bulamogi, Kigulu, Bugabula, Luuka,
Bunhole-Bunhanumba, Bunha, Bukooli, Butembe, Busiki, and Bukono will all be represented in
what promises to be a fiercely contested championship.
Other notable qualifiers include Bugweri’s Aji Kasadha and Umar Isabirye in the mountain bike
category, alongside Bosco Ntaganda and Living Kasango in Tippa. Kigulu’s John Odoto and
Lukuman Kazimingi will compete in mountain bikes, while Magidu Kyawa and Paul Steven
represent in Tippa. Busiki’s Bosco Bazaale and Amis Mwiisi will also feature in the mountain
bike category, with Salim Nabongo and Denis Mutabuza in Tippa.
With the stage set for a thrilling finale, the MTN Busoga Cycling Championships are poised to
deliver high-octane action, showcasing the region’s finest cycling talent. As the countdown to
February 15 begins, all eyes will be on Butembe’s stars and their rivals as they vie for glory in
one of Busoga’s most prestigious sporting events.
