Over 100 Ugandan cyclists to compete in Nairobi race

Uganda's cyclists made an impressive mark in last year's edition of the race, with Paul Lumuria clinching first place in the main race, 2024 Paris Olympian Charles Kagimu securing third, and Jordan Ssekanwagi finishing fourth.

KAMPALA | Uganda will be sending a team of approximately 100 cyclists to the third edition of the Jubilee Live Free Race, powered by the Grand Nairobi Bike Race, set to take place on Sunday, September 29, in Nairobi, Kenya.

The announcement was made today by Sam Mahaba Muwonge, President of the Uganda Cycling Association, during a press briefing.

The race, which will start at Nyayo Stadium in the heart of Nairobi, will feature six categories, including the 60km main race, a 12km family fun ride, the 48km Black Mamba ride, a 2km kiddies’ race, a 48km para-cycling race, and a 60km team race for teams of six riders.

This premier international cycling event is expected to attract up to 2,500 elite cyclists from 21 countries, including Ethiopia, Eritrea, the USA, France, and other members of the East African Community.

Uganda's cyclists made an impressive mark in last year's edition of the race, with Paul Lumuria clinching first place in the main race, 2024 Paris Olympian Charles Kagimu securing third, and Jordan Ssekanwagi finishing fourth.

In the Black Mamba category, Dawson Senabulya took second place, while Hassan Kiryowa placed fifth in the under-23 category.

The team aims to build on these successes in this year’s competition.

“Our goal for the race is to secure podium finishes in every category, including the women’s category, where we are fielding seven cyclists,” Muwonge said.

“Beyond that, we’re excited about the opportunity this event presents to raise awareness about the practical steps individuals and the wider community can take to lead healthier, more balanced lives. We believe that embracing cycling as a culture will significantly improve well-being in our country.”

The Jubilee Live Free Race aligns with the new thematic campaign by Jubilee Insurance, "There’s Living and There’s Living Free," aimed at enhancing public understanding of investment and insurance solutions.

Under its MaishaFiTi wellness program, Jubilee Insurance Uganda will sponsor 50 cyclists to represent the country, supporting the brand’s focus on promoting healthier lifestyle choices.

“MaishaFiTi is a health promotion initiative aimed at fostering physical, social, and mental well-being among Ugandans,” said Dr Amon Salaama, chief operations officer of Jubilee Health Insurance.

“Our company's partnership with the Grand Nairobi Bike Race and the Uganda Cycling Association is a natural fit, as we share a common vision to advance awareness on both financial and physical health. Uganda is not just participating in this competition—we are entering to win.”

The significance of adopting healthier lifestyle choices has been underscored by a joint report from the World Health Organisation and the World Bank, which found that over one billion people—about 14% of the global population—faced out-of-pocket healthcare costs so high that approximately 1.3 billion were pushed, or further pushed, into poverty, including 300 million already living in extreme poverty.

Founded in 1937, Jubilee Holdings Limited (JHL) was the first incorporated insurance company in Mombasa and has grown to become the leading regional composite insurer.

Over the years, it has earned the trust of over 1.9 million clients across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and Mauritius, thanks to its dedication to creating innovative insurance solutions with passion and commitment to excellence.

Jubilee Life Insurance’s Chief Distribution Officer, Linda Byaruhanga, noted that the annual race aligns with the company’s commitment to empowering people to live life to the fullest.

“Our brand promise is centered on enabling people to live free, and this event naturally ties in with that vision," Byaruhanga said.

"This explains some of the innovative products we have launched this year, such as the Smart Save Plan, a savings product with numerous inbuilt benefits. We are excited about the third edition, not only for the platform it provides for competition and fun but also for its role in fostering conversations that inspire behavioral change and drive meaningful societal impact."

By promoting cycling as a sustainable, non-motorized mode of transport, Jubilee Insurance is also contributing to reducing the carbon footprint and fostering a cleaner, healthier planet.

“Cycling not only supports environmental conservation but also helps alleviate traffic congestion, making it an ideal choice for both personal health and the well-being of our environment,” Byaruhanga added.

Jubilee Insurance is listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, the Dar-es-Salaam Stock Exchange, and the Uganda Securities Exchange, reflecting its strong financial stability, robust risk management practices, and unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of excellence.