West Nile to host inaugural international ‘Race the Nile’ Cycling Challenge
“Race the Nile is poised to establish West Nile as an emerging adventure tourism destination on the global map,” Ajarova said.
Zombo: West Nile is set to host its first-ever international cycling adventure event, dubbed Race the Nile, with hundreds of cyclists from across Africa, Europe and other parts of the world expected to participate in the gruelling endurance challenge later this year.
The event, scheduled for November 23–27, 2026, is designed to showcase the region’s untapped tourism potential, rich cultural heritage and growing investment opportunities.
Speaking during a three-day route assessment tour across West Nile, Lillian Ajarova, Senior Presidential Advisor on Tourism and founder of the Race the Nile initiative, said the event aims to position the sub-region as a premier destination for adventure tourism.
“We came together and said how we can do something for West Nile. In a small way, we can start something that can spark more interest and get more people interested in West Nile,” Ajarova said.
The assessment exercise, conducted from June 8 to 10, covered major routes including Arua–Koboko–Yumbe–Moyo, Adjumani–Obongi–Madi Okollo–Pakwach and Nebbi–Zombo.
Ajarova said the race is targeting cyclists who seek authentic and challenging experiences in rural settings.
“The unique character of West Nile, including its rugged terrain and limited infrastructure, presents exactly the kind of adventure many endurance cyclists are looking for. The event will also attract significant local, national and international media attention,” she noted.
Showcasing tourism and investment potential
Organizers identified several tourism attractions along the race routes that participants will visit, including scenic coffee farms, cultural heritage sites, the iconic Biku Chapel—the smallest church in Uganda—and other historical landmarks.
Beyond tourism promotion, the event is also expected to create investment opportunities.
Ajarova revealed that European partners have already expressed interest in exploring partnerships with coffee producers in Okoro, Zombo District.
“The event is not only about cycling. It is also about marketing West Nile’s products, promoting investment opportunities and building a strong destination brand,” she said.
Pilot Edition to Open Doors
Isaac Mulindwa Jr, Events Manager at WUZA Limited, described the inaugural edition as a pilot project that could transform perceptions of the sub-region.
“We hope that as the years progress, more attention will come to West Nile through media and visitors,” Mulindwa said. “This will help grow tourism, investment and trade in the region.”
The delegation, which included Michael Adriko of the West Nile Cycling Club, later met the Prime Minister of the Alur Kingdom, Prince Lawrence Opar Angala, at the Alur Kingdom Palace in Kaal Atyak, Zombo District.
Alur Kingdom Pledges Support
Receiving the team on behalf of the Alur King, His Majesty Philip Olarker Rauni III, Prince Angala welcomed the initiative and pledged the kingdom’s full support.
“As Alur Kingdom, we want to be at the forefront. We shall package our kingdom in such a way that participants will be able to see the best of Alur Kingdom,” Angala said.
He noted that the November schedule provides ample time for preparations to showcase the kingdom’s cultural heritage and tourism attractions.
“This initiative will place a global spotlight on West Nile’s tourism, trade, agriculture, mining and cultural potential,” he added.
Attractions Along the Route
The Race the Nile challenge will expose participants to some of West Nile’s most remarkable attractions, including Miriadua Falls in Arua-Maracha, Barifa Forest in Arua, Mountain Wati in Terego, Ajai Wildlife Reserve in Madi Okollo, the Alur Kingdom Palace in Zombo, Salia Musala in Moyo where Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo meet, and Wanglei in Pakwach, a site linked to Luo cultural history.
Organizers believe the event will not only attract adventure enthusiasts but also position West Nile among Africa’s emerging tourism destinations.
“Race the Nile is poised to establish West Nile as an emerging adventure tourism destination on the global map,” Ajarova said.
With growing international interest and strong support from cultural leaders, tourism stakeholders and local communities, the inaugural Race the Nile challenge is expected to become one of Uganda’s flagship adventure tourism events.
Do you have an advertisement or article you want to publish? Mail us at theugreports@gmail.com or WhatsApp +256757022363.
