The Uganda Motocross Uganda (UMU) has awarded Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Shs 100 million as a token of appreciation for participating in recently concluded Inaugural Armed Forces Appreciation Motocross Championship.
The event that was between international riders and locals, at the Uganda Motocross Arena (UMA) Busiika on October 6, 2019 registered a huge crowd that turned up to witness the motorbike competition amongst teams drawn from USA, Belgium, France, DRC , Israel, South Africa and the host Uganda.
The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. David Muhoozi, while receiving the dummy cheque, appreciated the initiative by UMU, saying the event creates a lot of opportunities such as having fun, business networking and strengthening the bond between the military and the population.
The money was part of the proceeds collected as gate fee and from sponsors. The prize was also a token to thank the UPDF for securing the country’s borders as well as participating in regional peace initiatives.
During the Press Conference held at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, General Muhoozi emphasized that the Motocross show piece ‘is a great innovation and continues to bring people closer to the army and vice-versa since UPDF is a Peoples’ Army.’
He commended both organisers and sponsors for being realistic to Uganda’s process of transformation
The UPDF Chief of Staff Land Forces and Chairman Organizing Committee of the event, Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda, lauded the wanainchi who turned up for supporting the event and reiterated UPDF’s commitment towards supporting activities geared towards nation building.
The President of UMU Dusman Okee said the championship provided a platform for interaction between UPDF and civilians on top of proving to the world that UPDF is truly a Pro-People Army.
He promised a better outreach next time and commended sponsors for contributing towards the success of the event.
American Ryan Surrat, Stav and Brother Alon Orland, William Blick Jr and Uganda’s Captain Maxime Van Pee, were among the world stars who participated in the ride held mid-October.
