Written By | Byamukama
Motorcross prodigy Hellena Birungi
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Sports Desk
After a successful 2025 season, junior rider Birungi upgrades to the 65cc class for the 2026 season.
She is arguably the most promising motocross talent of her generation that Uganda is looking up to for the continued success of the Motocross Cranes at both regional and continental levels.
Hellena Birungi has consistently lived up to her seniors’ expectations by doing exactly what is required of her—and in style.
The 10-year-old closed the 2025 season on a high, having won with flying colours at the FIM Central Africa Motocross Championship held at Smart Beach, Mityana, followed by her heroics at the continental championship in Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwe event saw Birungi successfully defend her FIM MXOAN Ladies Junior crown, even after encountering mechanical issues with her bike, by securing a gold medal and steering Team Uganda to a bronze medal.
At the regional Central Africa Championship, Birungi won round one in the 50cc Senior Class and Ladies Category but did not take part in round two.
Hellena Birungi while competing on a 50cc KTM Model 2025 Factory Edition
This also prompted a joint decision by her sponsors and parents to allow her to compete in only five out of the eight national-level competitions after suspending participation due to safety concerns that arose in Garuga. Despite this, she still managed a second-place finish in her category.
It was indeed a flourishing 2025 season for the 10-year-old, who now upgrades to the more challenging 65cc junior class.
“I am happy with my performances this season, and I am looking forward to starting in the new class challenge and continuing to do well,” Birungi said.
Birungi in a competition
To help her adapt to the new bike class, her coach has been putting her through training sessions on the 65cc machine, and it is anticipated that by the start of the new season calendar, she will have gained sufficient experience.
“We have been careful with her lessons on the new machine because she is ambitious, brave, and always eager to do her best at high speed. However, this is a new category that requires patience and experience through proper learning. She is coping well, and we are confident that by the time the local and international calendars begin, she will be ready,” said her father, Edison Birungi.
Hellena Birungi during training on a 65cc KTM bIke
The 2026 season is set to open later in March with the first of eight race events, ahead of the regional and continental championships, which Uganda is tipped to host.
