Bunyoro has partnered with MTN Uganda to unveil the first ever cycling competition which will be held across the 15 counties in the Kingdom.
Dubbed: Bunyoro Amazasa (counties) bicycle completion was launched on July 28 at Rukurato court yard in Hoima City.
The MTN sponsored competition targets adults of sound mind, both males and females aged 18 years and above. It will be launched in Kiryandongo County on September 3, 2022.
Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom and MTN Uganda will provide cycling kits to the registered participants and only ordinary bicycles qualify for the competition.
Andrew Tusubira, the regional commercial head MTN Uganda, told Journalists that the race aims to target 50 participants from each county.
Francis Mugerwa, the Kingdom Minister for Information told The Albertine Journal that cyclists will cover a 32kilometre distance.
The kingdom spokesperson says interested persons are encouraged to register at the kingdom’s headquarters in Hoima city or at their respective kingdom county offices.
Mugerwa said the Uganda Cycling Association will be in charge of screening cyclists and the routes to be used to ensure compliance with the international and the national cycling regulations.
The tentative dates and venue for the competition have also been set. After the launch on September 3 at Kiryandongo stadium, the next race will be on September 17 in Kakumiro district playground, September 24 in Buyanja primary school grounds, September 31 at Kagadi Primary School and October 1 at Hoima chambers.
On October 7 the cycling race will be at Kikuube Primary School, October 8 at Buliisa Primary School and on October 15 will climax at Masindi grounds.
The first three finalists from each county will automatically qualify to compete in the grand final which will be held at the kingdom chambers. This means only 45 participants will be entitled to compete in the finals.
In a speech presented by Tusubira, the MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Wim Vanhellepute said: “kingdoms reinforces the importance of our heritage as a nation and sports strengthens the values of a common goal, unity and team work.”
He explained that the company can only succeed if the communities in which it operates prosper.
It is upon this background that the outgoing MTN CEO calls upon all the people of Bunyoro to turn up in big numbers and show support to their respective counties.
“Sports is one way of living a healthy life as our policy stands, it enables us to have healthy and positive competition, teaches us team work, patience and discipline. Through this, talents will be realised, our Kingdom will be exposed for the outside world to come and visit. It (sports) is a source of income for many sportsmen and women today,” said the kingdom premier, Andrew Kirungi Byakutaga.
Mutiti Nyendwoha, the First Deputy Premier, hopes the activity will bring out a healthy community and a source of entertainment.
Winners at respective counties will match home with prizes. The partnership runs for three years.