Uganda will send a 100-rider contingent to Nairobi this weekend seeking a fifth consecutive Jubilee Live Free Bike Race title after receiving Shs33m in financial backing from Jubilee Insurance Uganda.
Team Uganda heads into Sunday’s competition at Uhuru Gardens having won the flagship main race in all 4 previous editions, establishing a strong record at the annual event.
The Shs33m cash sponsorship was announced during the team’s flag-off at Lubiri ahead of the trip to Kenya, continuing Jubilee Insurance Uganda’s support for the country’s participation in the event.
Team Uganda chef de mission Ismail Lance Ssebayiga said the 100-member contingent has been strengthened with additional riders as Uganda looks to protect its unbeaten record in the main race.
“We are coming back to defend our title. Besides the usual names, we have added other top riders that will put us in a stronger position to compete for the top spots,” Ssebayiga said.
Lawrence Lorot, Shafiq Mugalu, Paul Miiro, Davis Biyinzika and Hatim Kagaba are among the riders Ssebayiga identified as ones to watch in Nairobi.
The Ugandan contingent will compete in an event that continues to attract riders from across Africa and beyond, with last year’s edition drawing about 3,500 cyclists representing 20 countries.
Uganda arrives with recent history firmly on its side following another impressive performance across several categories last year.
Jordan Schleck Ssekanwagi, winner of the inaugural race in 2019, returned to the top of the podium last year after narrowly beating defending champion and 2024 Olympian Charles Kagimu.
Maria Aleper took silver in the women’s main race, while Uganda completed a clean sweep of the Black Mamba podium through Willy Kato, Dominik Mugonda and Aziz Ssempijja.
Augustine Ssebulime added another silver medal for Uganda in the Para category.
Ssebayiga, who is also director of Cycling Tour De Uganda, believes Jubilee Insurance’s continued financial support has helped Ugandan riders regularly test themselves against stronger regional and international competition.
“Our utmost gratitude goes to Jubilee Insurance that has ensured that for all the editions of the Nairobi Bike Race, Uganda has been ably represented,” Ssebayiga said.
“This competition has helped our riders to stay in top shape and to hone their skills by competing against some of the best riders in region and beyond.”
Jubilee Insurance Senior Manager for Marketing and Communications Camilla Mindru challenged the team to improve on last year’s performance despite Uganda’s impressive record.
“Last year, you delivered strong performances across the different categories. That is a strong foundation, but we can aim even higher this year,” Mindru said.
“The goal should be to compete for the top spot in every category and see how far we can push ourselves as Team Uganda.”
The race will offer a total prize purse exceeding Shs100m, with cyclists competing across 6 categories.
They include the Main Race, Team Race, Black Mamba, Family Fun Ride, Kiddies and Para Cyclist categories.
For Uganda, the immediate target is extending its dominance of the flagship race, with the Shs33m backing providing additional support for another attempt at the Nairobi crown.