Team Uganda aims to maintain its stronghold on the annual Jubilee Live Free Bike Race, scheduled for this Sunday at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, Kenya.
Having won all four previous editions of the flagship main race category, the team approaches the fifth edition with the proficiency of the proverbial old broom that knows all the corners.
Jubilee Insurance has committed UGX 33 million in cash sponsorship to Team Uganda ahead of the race. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony at Sanyuka Restaurant in Lubiri this morning, Team Uganda chef de mission Ismail Lance Ssebayiga outlined the team’s ambition for the competition, which attracted 3,500 cyclists from 20 nations last year.
“Besides the usual names, we have added other top riders who will put us in a stronger position to compete for the top spots. Some of the riders to look out for include Lawrence Lorot, Mugalu Shafiq, Miiro Paul, Biyinzika Davis, and Hatim Kagaba. In total, it’s a team of 100 cyclists,” said Ssebayiga.
Jordan Schleck Ssekanwagi, winner of the inaugural race in 2019, bounced back to claim gold last year, narrowly beating defending champion and 2024 Olympian Charles Kagimu.
In the women’s main race, Maria Aleper took silver. In the Black Mamba category, Uganda executed a clean sweep, with Willy Kato, Dominik Mugonda, and Aziz Ssempijja winning gold, silver, and bronze, respectively. Augustine Ssebulime took silver in the Para category.
Ssebayiga, who is also the director of Cycling Tour De Uganda, expressed his appreciation for the continued support received from Jubilee Insurance Uganda.
“Our utmost gratitude goes to Jubilee Insurance, which has ensured that for all editions of the Nairobi Bike Race, Uganda has been ably represented. This competition has helped our riders stay in top shape and hone their skills by competing against some of the best riders in the region and beyond,” he stated.
On behalf of the sponsors, Jubilee Senior Manager for Marketing and Communications Camilla Mindru challenged the team not to bask in the glory of previous editions, reminding them that there are always new territories to conquer.
“Last year, you delivered strong performances across different categories. That is a solid foundation, but we can aim even higher this year. The goal should be to compete for the top spot in every category and see how far we can push ourselves as Team Uganda,” said Mindru.
The race will feature a total prize purse of more than UGX 100 million, with cyclists competing across six categories: Main Race, Team Race, Black Mamba, Family Fun Ride, Kiddies, and Para Cyclist.
