Preparations are underway for an 800-kilometre cycling race across West Nile aimed at promoting sporting tourism, attracting international visitors and creating economic opportunities for communities in the region. The event, dubbed Race the Nile Uganda Ultra 2026, will run from November 23 to 27, covering all 13 local governments in West Nile.
Organisers expect thousands of cyclists, support teams and tourists from Uganda and abroad to participate in the five-day race, which will culminate in Arua City. The race was officially launched on Tuesday evening at Le Tshuba Hotel in Arua City during a ceremony attended by government officials, security agencies, tourism stakeholders and private sector representatives.
Speaking at the launch, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Tourism, Lillian Ajarova, described the event as the first of its kind in the region and urged residents to take advantage of the opportunities it presents. Ajarova said the race offers West Nile a unique platform to showcase its tourism attractions while stimulating investment, hospitality, trade and other tourism-related businesses.
The West Nile Regional Police Commander, Latif Zake, assured participants and visitors of adequate security throughout the event, saying the police and other security agencies had already begun preparations to ensure a safe race.
Retired Major General Michael Ondoga, the Head of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) in West Nile, called on local communities, organisers and participants to use the event as a platform for wealth creation through tourism and business opportunities.
Tourism stakeholders also challenged organisers to fully exploit the region’s tourism potential. Wilson Katambigwa, the Senior Warden in charge of Ajai Wildlife Reserve in Madi-Okollo District, encouraged the organisers to include the reserve among the key attractions promoted during the race, noting that Uganda Wildlife Authority was ready to provide security and support.
Muni University Vice Chancellor, Professor Simon Anguma, urged the organisers to incorporate research into the event to improve its planning and long-term sustainability. Arua City Deputy Mayor Jackson Dratibi pledged the city’s support towards hosting the race and encouraged residents to position themselves to benefit from the anticipated influx of visitors.
Meanwhile, Ayivu Division Assistant Resident City Commissioner, Poline Ongom, urged organisers to prioritise the safety of cyclists, visitors and support teams by putting in place adequate emergency response mechanisms.
According to projections by Arua City Council, more than 3,000 participants and visitors from within and outside West Nile are expected to attend the inaugural event, which organisers hope will establish the region as a major destination for sporting tourism in Uganda-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
