The fun-filled bicycle races that started in September this year in the Bunyoro-Kitara kingdom regions have come to a brilliant end with lots of cash prize winners and a unity vision as attributed to MTN Uganda’s objective for supporting cultural institutions.
Hundreds of attendees braved the early morning drizzle on Saturday to watch the final participants take the last MTN-Bunyoro-sponsored bicycle race of the season.
The Bunyoro Kitara kingdom consists of 11 counties which all produced participants to transverse the region. The races encouraged both male and female riders to participate in the bicycle races and the winners from each county were seen at the start line flagged off by Andrew Byakutanga the Bunyoro Kitara kingdom Prime minister.
Andrew Byakutanga who was present at all races commended the kingdom subjects for participating fully in the races and being committed to the cause of doing things together and being involved in cultural heritage activities.
“We are thankful to MTN Uganda that joined hands with us and sponsored this activity of bicycle races across the whole region of Bunyoro Kitara kingdom. MTN Uganda has been with us from the beginning sponsoring the bicycle races annually.” He said
“The Bunyoro kingdom is forever indebted to MTN for their support and continuous good relationship over the years. We look forward to a fruitful and long-lasting relationship that promotes the kingdom’s objectives and maintains unity.” He concluded.
The final bicycle race took place at Hoima city in Hoima district and a showcase of traditional celebration with dance and music was experienced to entertain the speculators who were supporting the bicycle riders.
The MTN fully sponsored activity gave out cash prizes to the winners in sums of UGX 3M to the winner, UGX 2M for the first runner-up, UGX 1.5m for the second runner-up, and the next participants received UGX 1m each.
The grand finale highlighted the female category with cash prizes to motivate women and encourage them to take part in sports activities such as bicycle races. The category winner received UGX 500,000, the first runner-up received UGX 400,000, the second runner-up received UGX 200,000 and the other two runners received UGX 100,000.
Badru Mugabi the Hoima Resident City Commissioner was in attendance at the bicycle races and thanked the masses for remaining peaceful since the inception of the bicycle races in September and noted that this was the biggest event, they had held in Hoima city.
“We are thankful to MTN Uganda and all participants who ensured guidelines were followed in order to achieve successful and safe races in the different counties,” Mugabi concluded
MTN Uganda also supported the Bunyoro kingdom in organizing the third cultural festival that took place in June this year at the Booma playgrounds in Hoima city and also successfully organized other sports events such as the Amasaza football tournament, Empango Marathon, Omugo netball tournament, Enganda football tournament & boat racing competitions.
MTN Uganda is committed to championing cultural heritage to foster unity and togetherness through sponsoring sports initiatives that also act as a platform for talent identification and a place to create awareness around social issues to bolster community growth and development.
