Motocross: Rider death exposes laxity on safet

The Uganda motocross fraternity is still smarting from the unfortunate incident on October 8, when a veteran rider, George ‘Juncture’ Sserugunda, 46, passed on, following an accident on the race track in Kalisizo, Masaka.

According to reports, Sserugunda’s accident happened during what was a practice event, commonly referred to as a safety run. This is the ride normally done by the riders to test the track before the competitive event happens. And because of its nature, riders are not expected to ride at breakneck speeds like is usually the case during competition.

Yet, what has caused concern among some observers, that were in Kalisizo, is that the deceased went through that safety run at a high speed, which was deemed out of order. This has led some people to wonder whether the Federation of Motorsport clubs in Uganda (FMU) has offered enough education and guidance to riders on the safety standards during motocross events, which could raise eyebrows on whether there is strict following of safety measures.

Kisitu Mayanja, the FMU vice-president in charge of motorcycling insisted it was an accident. “FMU did everything to the letter of the law. But automobiles can fail anytime. So, any suggestion that may be the rider went into the race with a bike not fit to race, is false.”

However, The Observer understands that Sserugunda’s 250cc bike, which he acquired in August this year, was waived through the scrutineering exercise despite not ticking all the boxes.

“His bike was good but not all perfect; so, officials had no firm ground to refuse him to participate. Sometimes it’s not sensible to apply the law to the letter otherwise you could end up without having any competitors,” an official familiar with the incident told us.

He added that even after thorough scrutineering, the rider has the final knowledge about the condition of their bike. For example, the scrutineering officials will check the bike’s shock-absorbers, the kick-start, brakes, engine power, the rider’s dress-codes, which includes helmets, break-necks, tyres and the acceleration gadgets.

In fact, the rider has to present the bike’s logbook for the other finer details, where in case of any modification, that contrasts with what is in the logbook, leads to penalties like dismissal from the race.

Ultimately, the rider has the preserve of knowing the more internal gadgets of their bikes like how their engine works or the fuel pump, just to mention a few. Notably, when Sserugunda was preparing for the safety run, his bike refused to start as those of other riders.

Yet, after a few attempts, it started, and off he went. But then, it is said, the bike went into an over-racing mode. Normally under such circumstances, riders are advised to jump off the bike, and let it go because one is unlikely to know the kind of impact it may have.

FMU officials are hopeful that this could offset any queries from the international motocross body on safety concerns. FMU has been here before, but over the years, they have put measures to stop such incidents, but gaps and laxity still exist in enforcement.

Notably, Sserugunda actually jumped off the bike, falling one way and the bike the other. In fact, he immediately got back on his feet and tried to pick up the bike, but was quickly stopped and taken for First Aid in the standby Ambulance.

Even at that time, he was conscious, and able to communicate well according to onlookers. He was then taken to Masaka Referral hospital for further examination, where he was pronounced dead due to reported internal bleeding. One can only hope Sserugunda’s passing does not disorient other riders and fans.