Lira, Uganda | Lira City is set to make history this weekend as it hosts the 4th round of the Mountain Dew National Motocross Championship, marking the first time a national motocross event is being held in Northern Uganda.
The two-day event, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday in Omito, is being organized under the framework of the National Sports Act, which mandates the decentralization of sports activities to ensure inclusive national participation.
The competition will take place on a newly constructed motocross track in Omito, developed from an abandoned sand excavation site. The transformation is being hailed as a symbol of innovation and regional development.
During a press briefing held Friday May 16, 2025 at Shell Petrol Station in Lira City, Hon. Jimmy James Michael Akena, Member of Parliament for Lira City East and President of the Federation of Motorsports Clubs of Uganda (FMU), said the event marked a historic moment for the region.
He noted that the hosting of a national motocross championship in Northern Uganda was not just about racing but also represented development, youth empowerment, and sports tourism.
Akena added that the results from this round would be used in the selection of Uganda’s national motocross team for the upcoming African Motocross Championship in Zimbabwe, scheduled for August 2025.
Arthur Blick Jr., Vice President of the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU), said the decision to bring a national event to Lira was in line with the newly enacted National Sports Act.
He explained that the Act requires national sports federations to decentralize their operations and ensure equitable regional access to sports events.
Blick stated that FMU was proud to implement this directive and commended the Uganda Motocross Club and local organizers for successfully preparing a race track that meets national standards.
He further acknowledged the long-standing support from sponsors such as Mountain Dew, which has backed motocross for over 15 years, and Shell Uganda, a partner for more than a decade.
Among the riders preparing to take part is Milton Akaki, one of Uganda’s top motocross competitors and a native of Lira.
Akaki expressed that the opportunity to compete in a national event within his home region carried great emotional and professional significance.
He said it would allow local residents, especially the youth, to gain firsthand experience of professional motocross and draw inspiration from it.
Akaki, who will be riding under Team Obote, will be joined by Yusuf, a young competitor in the 65cc category and a grandson of Akena.
Although Akena himself will not participate as a rider, he reaffirmed his support for the team and its efforts.
He also revealed ongoing discussions about introducing a border-border competition in future editions of the event.
He said this initiative would aim to identify and nurture informal riding talent while improving safety awareness among boda boda operators.
Aggrey Akandonda, Manager of Space Lounge, remarked that the competition will attract riders and spectators from across Uganda.
He said this had translated into increased bookings for hotels and restaurants, and an overall boost for the hospitality sector.
He noted that Space Lounge would host the official post-race after-party and added that beyond entertainment, the event would offer valuable networking opportunities and business visibility.
Akandonda also believed that the presence of such a high-level competition in Lira would ignite motivation among young people who had a passion for motorcycling but lacked exposure to the professional side of the sport.
Organizers confirmed that entrance to the event would be free of charge, to maximize community involvement and public exposure to the sport.
However, Akena urged all attendees to strictly observe race safety protocols. He warned that any unauthorized intrusion onto the racetrack during competition could result in the race being halted — a scenario that both organizers and competitors wanted to avoid.
The Lira Motocross Championship is more than a weekend sports event — it is a demonstration of how national policy, regional innovation, and community engagement can intersect to create long-lasting impact. As engines roar to life in Omito, Lira City stands poised not only as a new home for Ugandan motorsport but also as a model for decentralized, inclusive development through sport.
