Give Me an Investment Plan" — NCS Boss Ogwel -

By Venesa Namusabi

The National Council of Sports (NCS) General Secretary, Dr. Patrick Bernard Ogwel, has challenged the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) to present a strategic infrastructure and development plan to secure government funding.

Dr. Ogwel threw down the gauntlet to the motorsport leadership during his address to the national motocross team at the NCS offices in Lugogo, just before flagging them off for the FIM Motocross of African Nations (FIM MXOAN). The continental showpiece is scheduled to take place from August 28–30 at the Gallina Motocross Park in Windhoek, Namibia.

“We have an allocated budget specifically for investment into sporting facilities,” Dr. Ogwel revealed. “Bring your strategic development blueprint and a clear facility investment plan, and we will fund you.”

The elite 34-rider Ugandan contingent—which features seven female racers and two team officials—received a massive boost as Dr. Ogwel confirmed that the government has fully sponsored the entire expedition. He lauded the parents for their heavy personal investments in the young riders’ sporting journeys, reminding them that global sports icons are now among the highest-earning professionals in the world.

NCS General Secretary Dr. Patrick Ogwel humbled to meet the Sebuguzi family. PHOTO BY SPORTS PLUS Images

“I am routinely flagging off adult teams, but it is an absolute privilege to send off this great team of young stars,” Dr. Ogwel added. “The government has fully backed this trip. Go out there, fly the flag high, and perform to your best.”

Team Captain Gift Ssebuguzi expressed total readiness for the continental battle, vowing that the team will fight aggressively for a podium finish.

“We have put in rigorous training sessions ahead of this trip,” Ssebuguzi stressed. “Team Uganda is united, ready, and we are going to excel in Namibia.”

Hamidu Gombe, the acting FMU President, highly commended the government’s intervention in grassroots sports development, noting that corporate and state alignment is vital for creating a sustainable sporting niche.

NCS General Secretary Dr. Patrick Ogwel addressing the media and riders at the team flag off to the FIM MXOAN in Namibia . PHOTO BY SPORTS PLUS Images

“NCS has fully funded this 34-member delegation,” Gombe confirmed. “A total of UGX 290 million has been invested across all competing rider categories, including the 50cc, 65cc, MX Lites, MX125, WMX, MX2, MX1, MX Veterans, and MX Masters classes.”

Uganda faces a daunting task in Windhoek, going head-to-head with continental powerhouses and defending champions South Africa, alongside heavy hitters from Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Madagascar, Senegal, and the hosts, Namibia.

Uganda last tasted continental glory in 2012 when they lifted the title on home soil at the famous Uganda Motocross Arena in Busiika. The team secured a respectable third-place finish at the 2025 edition, where South Africa maintained its regional dominance.

FIM MXOAN Championship Roll of Honor (Since 2016):