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Uganda’s hopes of fielding a full team at the 2023 FIM-AFRICA Motocross of African Nations( Mxoan) that reeves off tomorrow (Saturday) morning are dashing out.
This is after 19 bikes of 34 riders comfirmed for participation were still being held at South African Revenue Customs, Cape Town, by press time.
Even after clearance of the bond fee of Ninety-one thousand rands( Shs20million) left on the Ugandan bike cargo, efforts to have them out on Friday by 1700hrs EAT (1600hrs CAT) were fruitless.
It all started on Wednesday when bikes were to be cleared, as it was a public holiday. Thursday, when Ugandan officials in charge of clearing the bikes went to the Airport, they were given different stories by clearing agents.
The bond fees were clear to zero payment that Ugandan officials headed by team leader Reynold Kibira were asked to pay if they were to be handled.
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19:48 - 11.08.2023
MOTORSPORT Uganda's MX team eyes FIM Africa Crown
With such a rich tapestry of talent, skill, and ambition converging on Cape Town's tracks, expectations aren't just high; they're sky-rocketing.
"Even with presentation of documents from FIM-AFRICA, FMU and Uganda Revenue Authority, clearly confirming the purpose of the bike in South Africa, South African customs kept reluctant," painfully explained Kibira.
Kibira, not giving up, resorted to crying out to whoever would listen, even to his counterparts Motorsport South Africa(MSA).
Still, nothing had materialised by late Friday evening as other countries were being scrutineered and cleared for participation.
" We are doing everything we can and asking everyone we know to place try and help," said Lizelle Van Rensburg, the Mxoan event secretary.
Kibira further requested the organisers to allow team Uganda to be scrutineered as soon as the bikes are out, a case which is a wild card unless there's intervention from the South African government.
The panicky situation leaves Uganda with only 15 riders out of 34 to represent the Country.
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13:15 - 01.08.2023
MOTOCROSS FMU relieves rider Parents' pressure ahead of MXOAN in South Africa
The Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda(FMU) has relieved pressure from rider parents that ensured participation ahead of the forthcoming FIM-AFRICA Motocross of African Nations Championship set to be held in Cape Town, South Africa.
These survived after some hired bikes from South Africa, others bought, with others having transported theirs earlier.
The Continent's top showpiece has attracted nine countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Morocco, Botswana, and hosts South Africa which won last year's edition in Uganda.
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