Riding around Uganda on bicycles

After cycling from Kisoro to Karamoja, Alexander Bongers and Lawrence Johan Kakande’s knees hurt.

The 30-day back-breaking cycling involved ascending hills, wading through mud, and staring contests with buffaloes along the Uganda Cycling Trail (UCT). UCT is a cycling trail that is 1,580km long.

It links the southwestern part of the country to the northeast. They ably and tactfully used manyi ga kifuba (ordinary) Roadmaster bicycles, which do not have gears or power-driven engines.

“In the process, I encountered more than 20 different tribes in Uganda. They include the Batwa in Kisoro, who are physically and culturally a sharp contrast to the Karimojong in north-eastern Uganda,” Bongers, 32, recounts.

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He adds that fortunately, communication was easy since most people speak English and are willing to help strangers.

The thrilling circuit samples the attractions of Ssese Islands, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and sumptuous cuisines and cultures spread across the country.

“For now, it is covering parts of the country, but we hope to plot a national circuit soon,” Bongers reveals. He adds:

“To a cyclist, tourism is not all about mammals, reptiles, climbing mountains, and birds, but some challenges.”

Their ordinary bicycles presented the cyclists with physical and mental challenges. They opted to disembark, walk and roll the wheels on steep precarious cliffs in Kisoro and Kapchorwa.

Kakande, 28, beams with a smile as he speaks about his experience on the ferry to Sesse Island and a lorry ride in a section of Karamoja.

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“I enjoyed the ferry to and from Ssese Island at the start. We also got rained on in Karamoja. The road got muddy. We had to travel light and slept in budget lodges,” he says.

They also enjoyed free accommodation in posh facilities, such as Mutanda Resort in Kisoro, Hyena Hill Resort in Mbarara, Casa Uganda in Mbale, and Home of Friends in Kapchorwa.

“The bicycle holiday gave us a feeling of such independence and flexibility,” Kakande adds.

Along the circuit, they By Titus Kakembo SUNDAYVISION June 19, 2022 28 decided on when and how fast they would ride, sleep or dine.

On the trail, the cyclists encourage residents in different areas to capitalize on exploiting sustainable economic development opportunities that abound.
Uganda Tourism Board CEO Lilly Ajarova anticipates numerous economic benefits for several communities.

Globally, cycling is one of the fastest-growing types of outdoor recreation and tourism. It is estimated that 48 million people indulge in riding every year and contribute billions of dollars to different economies.

This is in addition to improving individual health and earning, decongestion of tourist attractions, environmental health, and happier people.

This is because cycling tourism tends to attract low traffic and exploits scenic rural roads that are off the beaten path.

They are pedal-powered and travel more slowly, resulting in longer stays in a region, as well as more spending on services.

Data from a Montana study shows that touring cyclists spend 40% more compared to the average motorized tourist due to their slower pace.