The Alur Kingdom over the weekend celebrated the thrilling climax of its 4th edition MTN-Alur Kingdom Bicycle Races, with thousands gathering at Agwok Primary School in Nyaravur Subcounty, Nebbi District, to witness the high-octane finals.
The competition, which drew participants from the three counties of Jonam, Padyere and Okoro, forms part of the curtain-raising activities ahead of the 15th coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty Phillip Olarker Rauni III. The event also follows the September football opener between the Alur of Uganda and their counterparts from DR Congo.
In the men’s 30km category, Jonam County’s Anthony Kumakech proved unstoppable once again, successfully defending his crown to walk away with a cash prize of UGX 1.5 million. He was followed closely by Robert Rwothongeyo of Padyere, who earned UGX 700,000, while Colbert Kaguta, also from Padyere, clinched third place with UGX 300,000.
Kumakech’s back-to-back victories cement his status as the dominant force in Alur cycling, his power and stamina on the challenging Padwot chiefdom routes leaving the crowd in awe.
The women’s 25km category was equally dramatic, as Harriet Kwach of Padyere stormed to victory, earning UGX 1.5 million. She was followed by Lillian Aciu from Jonam County with UGX 700,000, while Consolate Akumu of Padyere settled for third and UGX 300,000.
Kwach was emotional in victory, underlining the significance of women being allowed to compete:
“In the past, women were culturally denied the chance to take part in sports, which was discrimination. This event has marked a new chapter where women can openly compete and achieve their goals. I will continue to mobilize fellow women to embrace sports and help young girls focus on education, while discouraging teenage pregnancy and child marriages,” she said.
The races are not only about sport but also about cultural pride and social transformation. The Alur Kingdom has positioned the competitions as a tool to promote positive parenting and fight against teenage pregnancies and early marriages.
Deputy Prime Minister of the Alur Kingdom, Vincent Orach Ochaya, who presided over the awards, hailed the partnership with MTN Uganda for uplifting local talent:
“The bicycle races have become an annual event attracting talent and promoting economic growth. They provide a platform for cyclists to showcase their skills right from the chiefdom level,” he said.
Nebbi District LC5 Chairperson Emmanuel Urombi pledged to back the kingdom’s efforts, promising that the district would renovate Agwok Primary School, which is set to host next year’s coronation anniversary celebrations.
MTN Uganda, the event’s long-time sponsor, reaffirmed its dedication to the kingdom’s development. Phillips Odoi, MTN Regional Commercial Officer, said the company’s involvement goes beyond sport:
“The winners of this year’s races were awarded in recognition of their achievements. As partners of the kingdom, we are committed not only to supporting sports but also to improving health centers and schools. We want winners to change economically and eradicate poverty, because when people are healthy and thriving, so is the community.”
Similarly, MTN Territorial Sales Manager Taban Godwin revealed that cash prizes had improved this year and hinted at even bigger rewards in 2026.
As the dust settled on the thrilling contests, one thing was clear: the MTN-Alur Kingdom Bicycle Races have grown into more than just a sporting spectacle. They are now a cultural symbol, a unifying force, and a platform for youth empowerment.
With the football finals of the Alur Kingdom’s cultural tournament set for later this month in Zombo District, the excitement is far from over. But for now, the glory belongs to Anthony Kumakech and Harriet Kwach, the champions who pedaled their way into history.
