Nantume, Kagimu lead Uganda's charge at Jubilee Live Free Race
Nantume and Olympian Charles Kagimu are some of the big names on the Ugandan contingent of 100 riders who are ready to battle for a share of the over sh100m prize money.
Jubilee Insurance marketer Camilla Mindru (4th right) hands over the Uganda flag to Team Uganda chef de mission Ismail Lance Ssebayiga (center) and some of the cyclists before the left for Nairobi. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Uganda’s 2024 African Continental Championships silver medalist and rising star Miria Nantume was hoping for the best as she headed to Nairobi on Friday for her debut in the annual Jubilee Live Free Race in Nairobi, on September 27.
“I’m very happy to participate in the Jubilee Live Free Race. Although this will be my first time, I’m ready to give my best to represent Uganda and aim for a medal. Whenever I compete for my country, I strive to demonstrate excellence. I want to show Kenyans that we also have the potential to succeed,” said Nantume, who has represented Uganda in various races.
Nantume and Olympian Charles Kagimu are some of the big names on the Ugandan contingent of 100 riders who are ready to battle for a share of the over sh100m prize money.
Cyclists from across the East African region, South Africa, and from around the world will be competing across six categories, including the Main Race, Team Race, Black Mamba, Family Fun Ride, and Kids and Para Cyclist categories.
Jubilee Insurance head of marketing and communication Camilla Mindru flagged off the team at the Sanyuka Restaurant located at the Lubiri Gardens, in Mengo, with a sh33m sponsorship on Friday. She said the Ugandan team has been doing them proud by winning different races, and they expect the same from them.
She cautioned them against complacency but to work hard for the top positions.
“We had a test run in Masaka a few weeks ago, and they showed great potential, so we expect the best from them. “Last year, you delivered strong performances across the different categories. That is a strong 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.
Team Uganda chef de mission Ismail Lance Ssebayiga noted that for the past four editions Uganda has been winning in the main category, and he expects them to do the same again.
“We hope to win in all categories: the main race, Black Mamba (manual), the women's race, and the para races. We are happy again to have Jubilee supporting us in this trip. This is the fifth time they are supporting us covering our travel, accommodation, and related expenses, so we are very grateful for their support,” Ssebayiga said. He said over 58 riders will compete in the main category.
“Our riders are fit, and despite the route change, they are ready for the stiff competition that waits.”
Some of the riders to look out for include Lawrence Lorot, Mugalu Shafiq, Paul Miiro, Davis Biyinzika, Hatim Kagaba, Jordan Schleck Ssekanwagi, Willy Kato, Dominik Mugonda Aziz Ssempijja, and Augustine Ssebulime, among others.