CYCLING: Ugandans eye podium finishes at 2024 Jubilee live free race in Nairobi city (original) (raw)

Uganda Cyclists being officially flagged off for the 2024 Jubilee Live Free Race in Nairobi, Kenya.

Overview:

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.

Ugandan cyclists led by Olympian Charles Kagimu are already in Nairobi city to compete in the third edition of the Jubilee Live Free Race.

This event is powered by Grand Nairobi Bike Race, scheduled for Sunday, 29th September 2024, in Nairobi city, Kenya.

Uganda is among the countries that will take part with over 100 cyclists ready to take part in the race that will set off at Kenya’s national stadium, Nyayo Stadium, in the heart of Nairobi, weaving through key routes across the capital city.

Flagging off the cyclists at the Sanyuka Restaurant – Lubiri in Kampala on Friday, 28th 28th September 2024 was Samuel Mahaba Muwonge, the president of Uganda Cycling Association (UCA).

Uganda Cyclists being officially flagged off for the 2024 Jubilee Live Free Race in Nairobi, Kenya.

Muwonge pointed that the objective at hand is to secure podium finishes in each of the categories where Uganda has fielded participants.

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.

Samuel Mahaba Muwonge, president of Uganda Cycling Association

Samuel Mahaba Muwonge, the president Uganda Cycling Association

Categories:

The Jubilee Live Free 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 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.

Under its MaishaFiTi wellness program, Jubilee Insurance Uganda sponsored 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. 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, Jubilee Health Insurance’s Chief Operations Officer

Female cyclist Shamal Nakabuye being interviewed

Recap from last year’s event:

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 Kagimu secured third, and Jordan Ssekanwagi finished fourth.

In the Black Mamba category, Dawson Ssenabulya claimed second place, and Hassan Kiryowa placed fifth in the under-23 category.

Charles Kagimu as he competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics Games

The team is motivated to achieve even better results in this year’s race.

This year’s edition comes at a time when the Jubilee Insurance has just launched its thematic campaign; “There’s Living and There’s Living Free,”.

This campaign 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.

Sanuel Mahaba Muwonge (extreme right)

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.

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.

Linda Byaruhanga, Jubilee Life Insurance Chief Distribution officer

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.

David Isabirye is a senior staff writer for Kawowo Sports where he covers most of the major events.