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.
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.
