A contingent of 100 Ugandan cyclists departed Kampala by bus on Friday, September 25, 2026, bound for Nairobi ahead of the sixth edition of the Jubilee Live Free Race scheduled for Sunday, September 27 at Uhuru Gardens. The team, flagged off at Sanyuka Restaurant in Lubiri, Mengo, is seeking to extend Uganda’s remarkable dominance in the flagship main race category, having won all four previous editions . Jubilee Insurance Uganda has committed UGX 33 million in sponsorship to cover the team’s transport, accommodation, and race-related needs.
Team Composition and Riders to Watch
Team Uganda chef de mission Ismail Lance Ssebayiga outlined the squad’s composition, noting that more than 58 riders will compete in the Main Race, 28 in the Black Mamba category, alongside cyclists in the women’s and para categories . Among the riders expected to feature prominently are Lawrence Lorot, Mugalu Shafiq, Miiro Paul, Biyinzika Davis, and Hatim Kagaba . Jordan Schleck Ssekanwagi, who won the inaugural race in 2019 and reclaimed the title last year, returns to defend his crown . Uganda’s women’s contingent will include Miria Nantume, who recently returned from training in France and will make her first appearance at the Nairobi event .
New Route, New Challenges
The 2026 edition introduces significant changes designed to enhance the rider experience. Organisers have unveiled a redesigned route along the Southern Bypass and a revamped format for the flagship 72-kilometre category, reducing the number of laps to a two-lap course . Ssebayiga confirmed that Ugandan riders had studied the new route, with some travelling to Kenya to test the course ahead of race day . “The route has changed, but we have shared it with all our riders and they know where they will race,” he said . The event is expected to attract over 5,500 participants, up from 3,387 last year.
Looking Ahead
Camilla Mindru, Jubilee Insurance Uganda’s Senior Manager for Marketing and Communications, challenged Team Uganda to build on its previous performances. “Last year, you delivered strong performances across the different categories. That is a solid foundation, but we can aim even higher this year,” she stated . The race will feature six categories: Main Race, Team Race, Black Mamba, Family Fun Ride, Kiddies, and Para Cyclist, with a total prize purse exceeding UGX 100 million. The team expects stiffer competition this year from cyclists representing Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, DR Congo, and South Africa.