Lira City experienced motocross fever as it hosted Round Four of the National Motocross Championship – the first time the Lango subregion has staged a national round.
The three-day event (May 16–18 at the Omito race track) drew enthusiastic crowds even before official flag-off, with fans lining the circuit to watch Uganda’s top riders train and tune their bikes.
Among the headliners were former national captain Maxim Van Pee, veteran rider Fortune Sentamu, and 14-year-old sensation Miguel Katende – currently ranked 36th globally – all vying for glory on the dirt track.
Lead organiser Brian Owera called the Lira meet a dream realized thanks to support from the federation president Jimmy Akena, noting that all categories (including a special “Legends” class led by Akena himself) are competing in this round.
As engines revved and final practice runs wrapped up, local businesses enjoyed a boost from the influx of visitors. Young Katende, brimming with confidence, declared “I am ready to win, as I have always done,” after his last practice at Semka Riding Academy.
With Lira’s community embracing the sport and a UGX 20 million prize on the line for pros, the championship weekend promised “airborne” thrills and a lasting economic impact
