Odoto and Luganda Defend MTN Busoga Cycling Crowns in Thrilling 
175km Showdown
The second edition of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cycling Championship Finals delivered an
electrifying spectacle on Saturday, as reigning champions John Odoto and Tiff Luganda
successfully defended their titles in the Mountain Bike and Tippa Bike categories, respectively.
The grueling 175km race, which took cyclists through the bustling routes of Mayuge, Bugiri, and
Kaliro before culminating at Bugembe Kingdom headquarters, was a test of endurance, skill,
and resilience. All 44 finalists showcased remarkable fitness levels, with none requiring medical
attention—an aspect that left MTN Uganda’s Head of Sponsorship and Events, John Paul Okwi,
in awe.
“Had never seen such a long race completed without any casualties. This means that all these
cyclists are so brave, and this entails them to be brave enough to avoid teenage pregnancies,”
said Okwi.
Odoto Outlasts Magemeso in Nail-Biting Finish
Kigulu’s John Odoto put on a masterclass in the Mountain Bike category, narrowly edging out
Luuka’s Mensuramu Magemeso in a thrilling final sprint. The duo had been locked in an intense
battle for supremacy from the 40km mark in Bulanga, exchanging leads until the final stretch. In
the end, Odoto surged ahead to clinch victory by just two seconds at the finish line in Bugembe.
“I thank my team from Kigulu that has facilitated me throughout my training from the Kapchorwa
terraces to Iganga on a weekly basis. I also thank MTN and Busoga Kingdom for organizing
such tournaments that have led us to win genuine prizes,” Odoto said after claiming his second
successive title and securing a brand-new motorcycle.
Magamese settled for second place, earning a cash prize of UGX 2 million, while Bugabula’s
Rogers Byansi took third place and UGX 1 million. Muslim Kiwanuka (Luuka) and Meni Kakaire
(Bunha) rounded out the top five, earning UGX 500,000 and UGX 300,000, respectively.
Luganda’s Dominance Continues in Tippa Category
In the Tippa Bike category, Bukooli’s Tiff Luganda showcased his class once again, defending
the crown he won in 2022 with another stellar performance. Luganda overcame stiff competition
from Bunha’s Shafik Fama and Butembe’s Dominic Mugoda to secure back-to-back titles.
Like Odoto, Luganda was rewarded with a second consecutive 125CC motorcycle. Fama and
Mugoda earned UGX 2 million and UGX 1 million for their second and third-place finishes,
respectively. Kigulu’s Hussein Kigenyi and Magidu Kyawa claimed fourth and fifth place,
pocketing UGX 500,000 and UGX 300,000.
Calls for Distance Review Amid Enthusiastic Support
The demanding nature of the race sparked discussion among onlookers, prompting Busoga
Kingdom’s Sports Minister to announce plans to collaborate with the technical committee to
potentially reduce the race distance in future editions. However, the sheer excitement from fans
along the route proved that the championship continues to grow in prestige and popularity
across the region.
MTN Uganda’s unwavering support for the competition was lauded by Busoga Kingdom Prime
Minister Muvawala Nsekere, who praised the telecom giant for its commitment to fostering
grassroots sports and community development.
The event concluded on a heartwarming note, with Nsekere personally funding three promising
16-year-old finalists—Bosco Bazaale (Busiki), Young Salaka (Bunha), and Hajji Kasadha—as
part of a broader initiative to support young talent in Busoga.
With yet another successful edition in the books, the MTN Busoga Masaza Cycling
Championship continues to cement its place as a premier event in Uganda’s cycling calendar,
delivering high-octane action and unearthing new cycling talent year after year.
