As published on Monitor.co.ug on December 11th 2025
Seven cyclists set off from Kampala Tuesday morning on an 800-kilometre charity ride to Arua District, launching an initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable communities and boosting the profile of cycling in the country.
The week-long journey is backed by Minet Insurance Brokers and the Crisis Response Network (CRN).
Organizers confirmed that 52 bicycles have been procured for distribution along the route, slightly below the target of 60.
Beneficiaries will include schoolchildren, refugees and community groups, with a Rotary Club chapter in Lira among the scheduled recipients.
In Uganda’s Rhino Refugee Settlement, over 155,000, most of them children, face immense barriers to education. With only one secondary school and long walking distances, many children are unable to attend classes.
The Cycle for Hope initiative, led by professional cyclists Jordan Schleck and Charles Kagimu, aims to change that. In December 2025, they’ll cycle 800 km from Kampala to Arua to raise awareness and funds to provide bicycles for refugee children, helping them get to school and build a brighter future.
Elite cyclists Charles Kagimu, who is part of the team, said he views the race as both preparation for the next competitive season and an opportunity to promote the sport.
“At the core of the campaign is charity and I want to be part of the event. This is a stepping stone for us as we aim at making a change,” he said.
Minet Insurance Brokers, which is providing transport and logistics support, said its involvement aligns with its community-centered programmes.
“Our focus is on people, and this relates to what we believe in in terms of community. We want it to be an annual event targeting people in need,” said Aaron Muriisa.
According to Mathias Lukwago, one of the organizers, the charity ride is intended to become a permanent fixture on the cycling calendar.
“We could have another cause next season, but we want to make it an annual event,” he said. The riders taking part are Kagimu, Jordan Shleck Ssekanwagi, Brenda Nakandi, Willy Kato, Lawrence Lorot, Mary Aleper, and Huzair Nsubuga.
Organizers say the race is expected to raise the visibility of cycling while delivering direct assistance to communities along the route.
