Uganda Cycling Association (UCA), Lukwago also presented UCF to its international counterparts.
Lukwago said, “Since we are now a federation our focus is to transform, rebrand, expose and promote cycling sport in all parts of Uganda. We are looking forward to train and empower athletes with skills and transform sports to professional levels.” He added that a professional rider like, Jordan Ssekanywagi, is going to Brussels to train with the Cannibal Cycling Club.
The Secretary General of the Burundi Cycling Federation, Deslire Nsengiyumva and Tour de Rwanda Manager, Freddy Kamuzinzi, praised the progress on which the cycling sport is on now. “Transforming from an association to a federation is a very big milestone because UCF will be now known internationally,” Kamuzinzi said. “For that matter we are inviting UCF in the Tour de Rwanda which will be in Rwanda by the end of this year,” said Kamuzinzi added.
Rwanda has had a very good run in cycling sport and their relationship to this newly branded federation is presumed to helping in strengthening it and also market promotion. Uganda last participated in international tour in 2009, however the new committee hopes to change all that.
UFC Spokesman, Fredrick Kalyango, appreciated this rebranding saying that many international affiliated opportunities will not be missed “International federations always deal with federations but not associations therefore with this the cycling sport is to move forward.”
UCF has so far received international tour invitations to participate in African MTB Championship which is to take place on 9th -14th may this year in Mauritius.
Rwanda Cycling Federation has granted UCF free training courses to Ugandan cycling coaches. Since its rebranding, the federation is now having 20 associations.
