Busoga Kingdom, on Friday, January 10, 2025, officially launched the second edition of the MTN Busoga Cycling Championship to promote talent through a bicycle race.
The Kyabazinga of Busoga, His Royal Highness Gabula Nadiope IV, presided over the launch at the Kingdom’s headquarters in Bugembe, Jinja City.
The fixed-schedule race will feature ten participants, each representing a chiefdom. Busoga is comprised of 11 chiefdoms: Bunha, Luuka, Bulamogi, Bukooli, Bunhole Bunanumba, Busiki, Bugabula, Bukono, Kigulu, Bugweri, and Butembe.
“Preliminary races to select the cyclists who will represent each of the eleven (11) chiefdoms will be held between January 18 and February 2, 2025,” said Owekitibwa Amin Bosa, the Kingdom’s sports minister.
Participants in this championship will compete in two categories: Tippa (Gaali Ensoga) and Mountain bikes, with each chiefdom contributing four cyclists to the grand finale—two from each category.
According to Owekitibwa Bosa, the grand finale will be held on February 15, 2025, at the kingdom level.
The championship is organized by the Kingdom in collaboration with MTN Uganda, a renowned corporate entity supporting the institution’s events.
Mr. John Paul Okwi, MTN Uganda’s Sponsorship and Events Manager, affirmed that the Busoga Cycling Championship aligns with the company’s objective of effecting positive change in society.
“It is a great honor to be present and part of this second edition of the Busoga Cycling Championship,” Mr. Okwi said during the launch on Friday.
He added, “I extend my appreciation to the Kyabazinga of Busoga, His Royal Highness Gabula Nadiope IV, for allowing MTN to be part of this Kingdom initiative.”
He emphasized the spirit of unity and resilience that MTN has in the Kyabazinga land, asserting that this championship holds special meaning as it is a celebration of hope, while the telecom company strengthens ties with the Kingdom to achieve societal change.
“At MTN, we believe that sports are a strong pillar and a way through which we can mobilize and facilitate societal change. So, we are honored, excited, and looking forward to a very exciting race starting on the 18th of this month,” he noted.
The Prime Minister of Busoga Kingdom, Dr. Joseph Muvawala, applauded MTN for being a strong development partner.
“They have been here since this race began, and this partnership has helped us grow to the level where we are,” said the Prime Minister.
Dr. Muvawala, however, urged cyclists to exhibit the highest level of discipline and cautioned them about cheating during the races.
Preliminary Race Schedules
- January 18, 2025: Luuka and Bulamogi
- January 19, 2025: Bukooli and Bunhole
- January 25, 2025: Busiki and Bunha
- January 26, 2025: Bugabula and Bukono
- February 1, 2025: Kigulu and Bugweri
- February 2, 2025: Butembe
Minister Bosa revealed that the grand finale will take place on February 15, 2025, and the respective distances for all the races will be communicated in due course.
The winners of each category at the grand finale will ride home brand-new motorcycles. First runners-up will receive two million shillings (2,000,000) each, second runners-up will earn one million shillings (1,000,000) individually. Fourth-place finishers will earn five hundred thousand shillings (500,000), while those finishing in fifth place in every category will receive three hundred thousand shillings (300,000).
Cyclists who complete the race but finish outside the top five positions will be appreciated with a token of fifty thousand shillings (50,000).
The MTN Busoga Cycling Championship began in 2022. Bukooli won the Tippa category, while Butembe triumphed in the Mountain Sport Bike category.
