The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has applauded Uganda’s motocross team for excelling in the recently concluded 2024 FIM Africa Motocross of Nations Championship held in Marrakech, Morocco.
Uganda’s team, comprising 32 participants across eight categories emerged second in Africa at the championship held in October 2024.
The President of the Federation of Uganda Motorsport, Hon. Jimmy Akena, during a plenary session on Wednesday, 27 November 2024, revealed that the team faced various challenges during preparation and at the event.
Akena revealed that only Shs300 million of the approved funds has been released by the Ministry of Finance, which has severely affected operations and training.
"The delayed release of funds affected Team Uganda's performance at the championship,” he said.
He appealed to the Ministry of Finance to honor its funding obligations, emphasizing the sacrifices and efforts of Uganda’s young athletes.
"These young athletes have trained tirelessly, overcoming injuries to represent our country. Despite promises, the money came late and in insufficient amounts, leaving us in debt," he said.
He expressed optimism for the 2025 championship to be held in Kenya, promising a larger and better-prepared Ugandan team.
Speaker Among congratulated Team Uganda on their achievements and pledged educational scholarships for standout performers Ramadan Mubiru and Hellena Birungi, who she granted leave to sit in the Chamber, a preserve of legislators, during Akena’s presentation.
She directed the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development to clarify the delayed release of Shs3.2 billion approved for Uganda Motorsport activities.
State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, commended the athletes for their resilience and emphasized the need for better funding to elevate Uganda’s sports and tourism profile.
"This Parliament approved Shs3.2 billion for motorsport, yet only Shs300 million was released. Without sufficient funding, our efforts are constrained," Ogwang decried.
State Minister for Finance (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi, explained that the funds were channeled to the National Council of Sports, calling for a meeting between the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Federation to resolve fund utilization concerns.
"I suggest we address this matter outside the Chamber and report back because the issue lies not with the budget or release but with how the funds were utilized," he said.
Despite funding constraints, the Federation of Uganda Motorsport has successfully completed key events, including the National Rally Championship in Hoima and the Motocross Championship in Mityana, while two other events: the Enduro Championship and the Boxing Day Sprint are yet to be held.
The Federation also plans to participate in the Central African Championship to be held in Mombasa, Kenya in December.
