Tembea Cycling Tour seeks to put Uganda on Africa’s sports tourism map
Organised by Tembea Safaris and managed by Mwebaza Sports, the competition brought together cyclists who, according to the organisers, were meeting and competing against one another for the first time at a local event of this nature.
Uganda is seeking to strengthen its position as a sports tourism destination through cycling, following the successful inaugural Tembea Cycling Tour, which brought together competitors from five East African countries.
The event, held on Sunday, November 1, 2026, attracted cyclists from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and South Sudan, providing a platform to combine competitive sport with tourism promotion and regional integration.
Initiated by Ngamije Mugisha Junior, chief executive of Tembea Safaris, a Uganda-based corporate tour company, the tour was designed to demonstrate how cycling can contribute to sports tourism, sustainable mobility and environmental conservation.
Organised by Tembea Safaris and managed by Mwebaza Sports, the competition brought together cyclists who, according to the organisers, were meeting and competing against one another for the first time at a local event of this nature.
The organisers see the initiative as an opportunity to use cycling to showcase Uganda’s landscapes, cultural heritage and tourism attractions while encouraging visitors to explore the country through sporting activities.
“Through the initiative, Tembea Safaris seeks to position cycling as more than just a sporting activity, but also as a tool for tourism promotion, environmental conservation, youth engagement and regional development,” the organisers said.
The inaugural edition also attracted government participation, with the Minister of Health represented by Dr Robert Mutumba, who officially flagged off the race.
The Ministry’s involvement highlighted the health benefits of cycling and its contribution to promoting physical activity and preventive healthcare.
Ugandan cyclists based in Kenya dominated the men’s category, with Lorot Lawrence, Charles Kagimu and Mugalu Shafic taking the top three positions. They received Turkish Airlines return tickets to destinations of their choice around the world.
In the women’s category, Trinitah Namukasa, Jucinta Namubiru and Jemima Tendo Namwajje emerged as winners, receiving air tickets sponsored by Safarilink for travel within East Africa.
The awards provided an additional link between competitive cycling and travel, recognising athletes while creating opportunities for regional mobility.
Tembea Safaris says it intends to grow the competition into a platform connecting cyclists, tourism stakeholders, corporate partners, government institutions and communities.
The second edition, planned for 2027, is expected to expand beyond East Africa and attract cyclists from across the continent. The organisers aim to bring together African cycling federations in Uganda for a continental road cycling event.
If achieved, the ambition could give Uganda another platform to promote sports tourism while attracting athletes and other visitors from across Africa.
The organisers believe that sustained growth of the tour could encourage more young people to embrace cycling and create new opportunities at the intersection of sport, tourism and sustainable development.
