Ministry of Tourism launches ‘Race the Nile Uganda 2026 Ultra’ to promote adventure tourism in West Nile

WEST NILE – The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities has unveiled Race the Nile Uganda 2026 Ultra, a first-of-its-kind self-supported gravel cycling race aimed at promoting adventure tourism in the West Nile sub-region.

The five-day ultra-endurance event will run from 23 to 27 November 2026, starting and finishing in Arua City. Cyclists will cover approximately 800 kilometres, with only 3% of the route on tarmac. Participants will navigate rugged gravel roads, remote trails, river valleys and vast open savannahs.

Organizers said the race follows internationally recognized ultra-cycling standards and joins a growing series of endurance events previously held in destinations including Los Angeles, Paris and other countries worldwide.

The route will take riders along the Nile River and through the borderlands of South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Participants will also pass through Ajai Wildlife Reserve, home to the endangered white rhino and other iconic wildlife, offering chances of spotting these animals.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, Uganda has 10 national parks and 12 wildlife reserves, providing a rich mix of wildlife, cultural and adventure tourism experiences. The ministry has identified West Nile as one of the country’s emerging tourism destinations due to its breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures and strategic location at the crossroads of Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Speaking at the launch in Arua City early this week, Lilly Ajarova, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Tourism, said the event goes beyond cycling.

“Race the Nile presents a unique opportunity to showcase West Nile’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking tourism attractions and authentic visitor experiences to both local and international audiences,” she said. “The bikers will race about 800 kilometres across the West Nile region, starting and ending in Arua City.”

Stakeholders described the race as an expedition designed to highlight West Nile’s untapped tourism potential while challenging participants to test their endurance, navigation skills and resilience.

Major General (Rtd) Michael Ondoga, the Regional Coordinator for Operation Wealth Creation in West Nile, said the event presents an important economic opportunity for the region. He explained that the influx of participants, visitors and support teams is expected to generate income for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, transport operators and artisans, thereby creating wealth for communities across West Nile.

“This event will create wealth for our people and generate revenue through various ways,” he said.

SSP Latif Zaake, the West Nile Regional Police Commander, assured participants and visitors of adequate security throughout the activities. “Race the Nile is a powerful platform to promote the region’s tourism, culture and investment opportunities,” he said. “The success of this event will depend on the collective effort of security agencies, local leaders and the public, and for us in security, we are ready to secure the event.”

Wilson Katamigwa, the Senior Warden in charge of Ajai Wildlife Reserve, said the race will complement conservation efforts by raising greater awareness of the reserve and encouraging more visitors to explore its unique wildlife and natural attractions.

“This event adds value to Ajai Wildlife Reserve by attracting tourists from within Uganda and internationally. We need the tourists to stay for more than 10 days,” he said.

Jackson Dratibi, the Deputy Mayor of Arua City, welcomed the event, saying it is expected to increase both domestic and international tourist arrivals while stimulating investment in accommodation, hospitality and other tourism-related services. He urged the people of West Nile to embrace and support the race, noting that it offers a rare opportunity to market the region to the world and create lasting economic benefits for local communities.

“We are going to have a series of meetings to ensure that we tap this opportunity to generate revenue for the city council in order to develop the region,” he said.

Tourism stakeholders indicated that Race the Nile Uganda is planned as an annual event for West Nile. It aims to diversify tourism products beyond the traditional safari circuit while opening new opportunities for investment, conservation and community-based tourism.