- The race will feature six thrilling categories
- The race will kick off at Kenya’s national stadium
- The international premier cycling event will bring together up to 2,500 elite cyclists from 21 countries
Image: Courtesy Photo
Uganda will be represented by approximately 100 cyclists in the upcoming third edition of the Jubilee Live Free Race scheduled for Sunday, 29th September 2024, in Nairobi Kenya.
This was revealed by the Uganda Cycling Association president Sam Mahaba Muwonge during the press briefing held in Kampala.
''The race will feature six thrilling categories including the flagship 60 km main race, a 12 km family fun ride, the popular 48 km black mamba ride, 2 km kiddies’ race, a 48 km para-cycling race, and 60 km team race for teams of 6 riders. The race will kick off at Kenya’s national stadium, Nyayo Stadium, in the heart of Nairobi, weaving through key routes across the capital city''. said Mr Muwonge.
According to him, the international premier cycling event will bring together up to 2,500 elite cyclists from 21 countries including Ethiopia, Eritrea, USA, France and the East African Community for an intense and adrenaline-fueled competition.
Uganda made an impressive mark in last year’s edition, with the team achieving a strong victory and now driven to continue their winning streak. Paul Lumuria clinched first place in the main race, while 2024 Paris Olympian Charles Kagimu secured third, and Jordan Ssekanwagi finished fourth.
In the Black Mamba category, Dawson Senabulya claimed second place, and Hassan Kiryowa placed fifth in the under-23 category.
Image: Courtesy Photo
The team is motivated to achieve even better results in this year’s race. “Our goal for the race is to secure podium finishes in every category, including the women’s category, where we are fielding seven cyclists. 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," Mr Muwonge narrated.
This year’s edition comes at a time when the brand has just launched its thematic campaign, "There’s Living and There’s Living Free," which seeks to meet individuals at their point of need by enhancing their understanding of investment and insurance solutions''.
The sponsorship of the Jubilee Live Free Race aligns with the company's strategic focus and commitment to empower individuals to unlock their desired future. Therefore, under its MaishaFiTi wellness program, Jubilee Insurance Uganda will be sponsoring 50 cyclists to represent the country in the competition, as the brand continues to rally for healthier lifestyle choices. “MaishaFiti is a health promotion initiative whose aim is to promote the physical, social and mental wellbeing among Ugandans''. said the Jubilee Health Insurance's Chief Operations Officer, Dr. Amon Salaama
Image: Courtesy Photo
Among other areas, it focuses on lifestyle management, wellness, and mental health. Our company's partnership with the Grand Nairobi Bike Race and the Cycling Association of Uganda 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,” Dr. Amon Salaama added.
''The importance of adopting healthier lifestyle choices has been highlighted by a joint report from the World Health Organization and the World Bank, which found that over one billion people around 14% of the global population faced such significant out-of-pocket healthcare costs that approximately 1.3 billion were pushed, or further pushed, into poverty, including 300 million already living in extreme poverty''. Jubilee Life Insurance Chief Distribution Officer, Linda Byaruhanga further noted.
According to him, the annual race aligns with the company’s strategic commitment to empower 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. 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,” said Ms Byaruhanga.
''Furthermore, by promoting cycling as a sustainable, non-motorized mode of transport, Jubilee Insurance is making a meaningful contribution to reducing our 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''. she noted.