ARUA CITY, Uganda | August 4, 2026 — Race the Nile, Uganda’s newest international cycling event, was officially launched in Arua City last week, setting the stage for its inaugural edition scheduled for November 23–27, 2026.
The launch brought together government leaders, tourism stakeholders, the cycling fraternity, development partners, the private sector, media, cultural institutions and residents of West Nile, all pledging support to establish Race the Nile as one of Africa’s premier cycling and sports tourism events.
Conceived by Pablo Rodriguez, Klemens Kollenz and Lilly Ajarova, the event is designed to go beyond competitive cycling by combining ultra-endurance racing with destination marketing. Organisers say the race will showcase the landscapes of the River Nile, the culture and heritage of West Nile, and Uganda’s growing reputation as an adventure tourism destination.
Speaking at the launch, Lilly Ajarova, a partner organising Race the Nile, said the event was created to unlock the tourism and economic potential of West Nile through sport.
“West Nile has strong cultural, natural and entrepreneurial assets that deserve greater visibility within Uganda and internationally. Race The Nile creates an opportunity to bring institutions, communities and businesses around a concrete event, while building relationships and experience that can support the region’s wider tourism ambitions.”
Pablo Rodriguez of PK Tourism, an international partner, said the idea for the race was inspired by his experiences in Uganda.
“Race the Nile began with what I experienced during my time in Uganda: the strength of the communities, the hospitality and the potential of West Nile. The race is our way of turning that connection and our shared passion for cycling into an international event that remains grounded in the region and useful to the people who live there.”
His colleague at PK Tourism, Klemens Kollenz, said the race was intended to create lasting benefits beyond the competition itself.
“An event can attract attention for a few days, but its real value lies in what remains afterwards. We have developed Race The Nile as both a demanding international race with international appeal and a practical platform for destination positioning, local business participation and long-term tourism development in West Nile.”
He added that, in the medium term, the race is intended to strengthen West Nile’s position on the travel map for visitors from Europe and North America.
Arua City Deputy Mayor, His Worship Drabiti Jackson, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely investment in the city’s tourism and economic future.
“Race the Nile is exactly the kind of event that transforms destinations. It will bring visitors, create business opportunities, showcase our city’s hospitality and place Arua firmly on the international tourism map.”
West Nile Cyclists Club Chairman Amos Pereti said the local cycling community was committed to delivering a world-class event.
“The route was designed not only as a sporting challenge, but also as a journey through the cultural and community landscape of West Nile. Riders will face demanding sections near the borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, while the Nile crossings and the Alur Highlands are likely to become some of the defining and most unexpected moments of the race.”
Event organiser Isaac Mulindwa Jr, Chief Executive Officer of Wuza (U) Ltd, said organising a self-supported race of such magnitude required careful planning and coordination.
“Delivering a self-supported race of this scale requires disciplined local planning, clear responsibilities and close coordination. Wuza Ltd’s role is to translate the concept into a safe and workable event on the ground, working with relevant authorities, suppliers, route experts and local stakeholders across West Nile.”
Organisers expect the race to attract elite and amateur cyclists, adventure travellers, international media, tour operators and supporters from across the region. They say the event is expected to generate economic benefits for accommodation facilities, restaurants, transport providers, tour guides, artisans and local entrepreneurs.
Race the Nile also aims to promote environmental stewardship, community participation and youth empowerment by encouraging cycling as a healthy, sustainable and inclusive sport.
Lilly Ajarova, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Tourism, thanked the Government of Uganda, Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority, the leadership of West Nile, Arua City Council, the West Nile Cyclists Club, sponsors, development partners, security agencies, volunteers and the media for supporting the launch.
She also called on the people of West Nile, corporate organisations, development partners, tourism stakeholders and the international cycling community to support the initiative through sponsorships, partnerships and participation.
Race the Nile – Uganda Ultra is a self-supported ultra-endurance gravel and mountain-bike race to be held in Uganda’s West Nile Region. Starting and finishing in Arua City, the inaugural edition will cover approximately 800 kilometres of predominantly unpaved terrain from November 23 to 27, 2026.
The event is intended to combine international sporting competition with local participation, regional economic value creation and long-term destination visibility.
The winner of Race the Nile 2026 will receive the prestigious honour of naming a rhino at Ajai Wildlife Reserve.