Siblings shine with top-4 finishes at landmark Tanzanian motocross championship
Ashraf Makumbi (2nd from left) and Jamaira Makumbi (extreme right) at Entebbe Airport
Arusha, Tanzania — Uganda’s motocross scene celebrated a proud moment this weekend as siblings Jamairah and Ashraf Makumbi returned home with medals in hand after stellar performances at the 2025 Samia Motocross Championship in Tanzania.
The talented duo touched down at Entebbe International Airport on Sunday evening, welcomed by cheering family members and fellow motocross enthusiasts. Their top-tier finishes at the rescheduled finals held from July 12 to 13 at the Lakilaki Grounds in Arusha cemented their status as rising stars in East African motorsport.
Podium finish for Jamairah, strong show for Ashraf
In a fiercely contested 85cc class, 14-year-old Jamairah Makumbi blazed her way to an impressive 3rd place finish, while her younger brother Ashraf battled through the pack to claim 4th place overall. The siblings’ results mark a significant achievement for Uganda in a competition long dominated by riders from Kenya and host nation Tanzania.
Despite the joy of a podium finish, Jamairah reflected on the difficulties posed by the Arusha terrain:
“The event wasn’t the best for me because of the excessive sand. Perhaps I would have won my class with ease, but it was too dusty.”
The conditions did little to deter her determination, as she continued to power through laps with skill and grit earning her well-deserved spot on the podium.
A family effort
Their father, Rashid Makumbi himself a former motocross competitor praised the children’s discipline and dedication, while also underscoring the steep financial demands placed on families supporting young athletes.
“Parents still dig deep into their pockets to facilitate children representing the country,” he said, calling on Ugandan authorities to provide more structured funding and support for motorsport development.
Regional rivalry and record crowds
The Samia Motocross Championship, named in honour of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, attracted elite riders from across East Africa. The 2025 edition was particularly special, having drawn record crowds to the Lakilaki Grounds in Arusha, with dignitaries including former Regional Commissioner Paul Christian Makonda in attendance.
A total prize pool of 80 million Tanzanian Shillings was shared among podium finishers, adding prestige to an already celebrated regional showdown.
For the Makumbi siblings and Uganda’s motocross federation, this event is more than a medal count: it’s a statement. With continued support and investment, the next generation of Ugandan riders may well take center stage across the continent.
As the dust settles in Arusha, the message is clear: Uganda is on the rise in East African motocross.
