Hamza Lutaaya Jemba Prepares for Man Vs Machine Gymkhana TT.
By Mwambazi Lawrence
As the highly anticipated Man Vs Machine Gymkhana TT fast approaches, excitement is building in the motorsport community. Scheduled for June 15th to 16th, 2024, at the Nile Resort Hotel Namanve, this event promises to be a thrilling spectacle of skill, speed, and determination. Among the many competitors gearing up for the challenge is Hamza Lutaaya Jemba, a remarkable street racer with a compelling story.
Born on July 5th, 1995 and raised in Kawempe Tula, Hamza’s journey to the world of street racing is both inspiring and poignant. He lost both his parents, the late Mustapha Sebude and Namubiru Faridah, but found solace and motivation in the world of motorsport. Hamza attributes his passion for racing to the late Sengendo Richard, a biker who left an indelible mark on his life.
“I was inspired by the Late Sengendo Richard, who was not just a biker but a beacon of passion and skill. He tragically died in a motorbike accident in 2014 while heading to Busiika for a rally,” Hamza recalls. “Sengendo would come to Kanyanya Shell, where I worked. One day, he took me for a ride on his bike from Kanyanya Fish Plant to Shell Kanyanya, which was then called Caltex. That ride ignited my dream.”
Hamza’s dream transformed into a remarkable reality. Riding his powerful BMW 1200GS Adventure, he has traversed the African continent, forging unforgettable memories in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique, and beyond. His journeys have not only broadened his horizons but also introduced him to a vibrant community of fellow bikers in the Uganda Bikers Clubs Federation and Axe Gang Riders.
Yet, the road has been fraught with challenges. “Street racers and bike riders are often misunderstood and labeled as hooligans. But when people talk to us, they realize we’re passionate and dedicated individuals,” Hamza shares. “I’ve lost nearly 15 friends to motor accidents since I began riding. It’s a painful reality of our sport, but it only strengthens our resolve.”
As the Man Vs Machine Gymkhana TT approaches, Hamza’s confidence is palpable. “I’m determined to come out on top because I have the most powerful bike in Uganda. I trust my BMW S1000 RR won’t let me down,” he declares with conviction. “Lusuku, William, Eric Trouble, and Calvin are formidable competitors, but I’m ready to take them on.”
The upcoming Gymkhana TT is more than just a race for Hamza; it’s a testament to his unyielding spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence. His journey from a young boy inspired by a local hero to a top contender in Uganda’s premier motorsport event is a saga of passion, resilience, and indomitable will.
As spectators gather at the Nile Resort Hotel Namanve on the 15th and 16th, they’ll witness not just a competition but a celebration of dreams realized and obstacles overcome. Hamza Lutaaya Jemba embodies the very essence of the Man Vs Machine Gymkhana TT a thrilling dance of human skill and mechanical prowess, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on two wheels.
This June, as engines roar and tires screech, all eyes will be on Hamza, a rider who has turned his inspiration into reality, ready to etch his name in the annals of Man Vs machine history.