06 June 2023 | Cycling

The picturesque county of Kabujogera in Kitagwenda witnessed an exhilarating bicycle race yesterday, as the Tooro Kingdom, in partnership with MTN Uganda, hosted a thrilling event that left residents buzzing with excitement. The race, aimed at promoting sports talent and raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, received overwhelming support from the community. A total of 26 skilled riders, including 19 manual bike riders and 7 sports bike riders, fearlessly manoeuvred through a challenging 30-kilometre route. The cyclists braved the rugged roads, pedalling their way from Kabujogera town council to Ntara and back. The race winners were crowned amidst cheers and applause. Lauben Barekyeraho emerged as the triumphant champion in the ordinary bicycle category, while Joshua Mugume clinched the top spot in the sports bike race. Their remarkable performances showcased their dedication and skill on the challenging terrain. MTN's sponsorship of the race received praise from various leaders and officials. Obadiah Mwijuka, the Tooro Kingdom County Chief for Kitagwenda, expressed gratitude towards MTN for their unwavering support of the Kingdom's sports activities. Mwijuka recalled the cherished memory of when King Oyo's father, King Patrick David Kaboyo Olimi III, visited the area and played football with pupils at Ntuntu Primary School. Joseph Ruwheza, the Chairperson of the Kabujogera town council, encouraged the youth to embrace the race as an opportunity to break away from the monotony and avoid harmful temptations. Aggrey Byaruhanga, the MTN Regional Marketing Manager, urged the young generation to actively participate in the Kingdom's sports activities while spreading awareness about the urgent need to eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2030. Byaruhanga reaffirmed MTN's commitment to supporting Tooro Kingdom's health campaigns. Ismael Mushemeza, the Kitagwenda district Chairperson, commended Tooro Kingdom for extending its services throughout the entire Kingdom. He urged residents to take inspiration from the Baganda and wholeheartedly engage in Kingdom activities, thereby taking ownership of their heritage. Mushemeza also revealed the government's plans to construct a sports center in Kitagwenda, aiming to enhance co-curricular activities in the region and provide opportunities for young talents to flourish. The race not only celebrated the winners but also highlighted the positive impact it had on the participants' lives. Vincent Tumwebaze, last year's winner and this year's second-place finisher, expressed gratitude for the 500,000 Shillings prize money he received from MTN. He revealed that the funds helped him take care of his health and invest in his small business, paving the way for a brighter future. MTN's unwavering support for the Tooro Kingdom bicycle race demonstrated its commitment to promoting sports talent and fostering community engagement. The race's success serves as a testament to the power of collaboration in achieving common goals, and it further strengthens the bond between MTN and Tooro Kingdom.

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