Motocross prodigy Katende on the mend after crash

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The Mountain Dew National Motocross Championship season opener ended in heartbreak for young rider Jonathan Katende, who suffered a broken left arm after a dramatic fall at the finish line during the final heat of the race.

The incident occurred over the weekend at the E-Villas track in Kaliisizo, Greater Masaka, as Katende collided with Isaac Mitima while battling for second place in Sunday's race. 

Miguel Katende had already secured first place in the MX 85cc category, marking their debut in this class after moving up from MX 65cc last season.

According to a medical report from CoRSU Rehabilitation Hospital in Kisubi, Katende underwent surgery to stabilise the fractured bone fragments using bone cement. Doctors estimate it will take several months before he can return to competitive racing.

According to a medical report from CoRSU Rehabilitation Hospital in Kisubi, Katende underwent surgery to stabilise the fractured bone fragments using bone cement. (Courtesy photo)

This category was won by Jonathan’s brother, Miguel Katende, who himself spent the entire previous season recovering from a similar left-hand fracture sustained at the start of the championship.

In other categories, junior riders Havy Kiggundu, Rokiana Ssebuguzi, Favor Ssentamu, and Grace Bidan excelled in the MX 50cc junior class, while Abigail Katende, Hellena Birungi, and Abigail Muwanguzi dominated the MX 50cc senior podium.

The MX 65cc category saw Larry Ssekamwa take first place, followed by Ethan Musedde and Jude Kyle Musedde. In MX 125cc, Gift Malcon Ssebuguzi emerged victorious, with Dan Mitima and Jason Barrows following closely behind.

Jovan Ssendawula claimed victory in MX 2, ahead of Habib Kiggundu and Sharifa Kateete, while the MX 1 category was led by Ashim Sserwaddwa, Ismail Mukiibi, and former national team captain Maxime Van Pee.

In the veterans’ category (MX Vets), Rogers Ssebunnya took first place, followed by John Baptist Achan and Alithia Nakiwala.

Fans were left disappointed as several top riders from Busiika, including Speed Marchant Fortune Ssentamu and Wazir Omar, missed the season opener. However, the return of Maxime Van Pee helped restore excitement among the spectators.