Tabula leads Uganda’s charge for African motocross glory

What the report says

Uganda’s motocross team, the Motocross Cranes, is heading to the 2026 FIM Motocross of African Nations Championship in Windhoek, Namibia, for the event scheduled at the Gallina Motocross Track from August 28 to 30. The Observer reports that about 180 riders from across Africa are expected to compete. Gift Tabula Ssebuguzi will captain the team again and carry Uganda’s main medal hopes.

Tabula is a former MX Lite champion and a two-time African Nations class winner, with past victories in Garuga in 2022 and Marrakech in 2024. He previously led Uganda to third place at the 2025 championship in Victoria, Zimbabwe. Uganda has been on the podium in recent editions, finishing third in Cape Town in 2023, second in Marrakesh in 2024 and third again in 2025, according to the report.

This year’s squad includes 37 riders, among them a record 10 female competitors for Uganda at the MXoAN. Tabula’s younger sister, Ronnieta Ssebuguzi Muganzi, has been selected for the MX 50 Ladies class, adding a family element to the team’s campaign. His father, rally driver Ronald Ssebuguzi, spoke at the team flag-off in Lugogo and said he was proud to see his son leading the national side.

The National Council of Sports supported the send-off, and its general secretary, Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel, praised the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda for improving governance, compliance and grassroots development. He also noted the federation’s efforts to introduce very young children to the sport. The report suggests Uganda will be aiming to build on recent podium finishes and use Tabula’s experience to guide a diverse team on the continental stage.