Sander SteinsMasaka, a fast-growing and vibrant city in southern Uganda, is located along the highway to Tanzania and about 250 km north of Kigali, Rwanda, which will host this year’s 2025 UCI Road World Championships. It is exciting to see that cycling is gaining popularity across the African continent, especially with the many talented riders emerging. One of them is Nantume Miria. We had the pleasure to talk with her about cycling in Uganda, challenges and her future goals.
The Masaka Cycling Club is a dynamic community of riders and has been instrumental in promoting the sport, nurturing young talent, and organizing cycling events. One of its riders is the 18 year old Nantume Miria. Women’s Captain and Junior Women’s Silver Medalist at the 2024 African Continental Championships, Miria made Ugandan cycling history by becoming the first-ever Ugandan female cyclist to podium in an international event. Last year she was also part of the UCI World Cycling Centre Development squad based in Paarl, South Africa, where she continued to refine her skills.
Can you briefly introduce yourself?
My name is Nantume Miria and I am 18 soon turning 19. I live together with my mother and my two brothers in Uganda. I race for the Masaka Cycling club in Masaka City. Currently I am preparing for the World Championships in Rwanda, which is my main goal for this year.
What made you want to start competitive racing in a country that is relatively new to cycling?
At first I really loved football and I was not into cycling. I first got interest and inspiration in cycling from our family friend Kalema Joseph. He is now coach for the girls and women at the Masaka Cycling Club. In 2020 during the Covid pandemic I joined the Masaka Cycling Club.
Cycling in Uganda is still new, but it’s giving me the courage to inspire others, especially girls
Can you describe the situation for cyclists in your country?
The cycling sport was very new in my area, so whenever I went for a ride in shorts, people would say, “Is she mad? How could her mother allow her to do that? And what even is that sport?” That always challenged me, and it gave me the courage to race… to inspire others to encourage their children, especially girls, to join the sport.
In 2024, you were the first Ugandan female cyclist to podium at the African Continental Championships, winning silver in the Junior Women’s category. An incredible achievement! Can you take us back to that special moment and describe your feelings?
Last year in September, I was in South Africa for a training camp, which made me stronger and gave me more experience on how a cyclist should carry themselves. It was an amazing experience, and I had so much fun. When I returned to Uganda, I was informed that I had a race coming up in October. I felt really excited! My coaches provided me with everything I needed, including the courage to face the challenge. I was nervous about racing in a big peloton for the first time. The ITT didn’t go well (6th place) and I’m still working on improving my solo rides. When the road race finally arrived, I was scared, but I pushed through. By the end, I was the happiest person ever. That was the moment I truly started believing in myself. It was a dream come true!
What does a typical training session look like for you, and how do you improve your skills while continuing to challenge yourself to become better?
At our club, we usually have two types of training sessions; indoor and outdoor. During indoor sessions, I focus on my cadence, and sometimes, I discover my weaknesses and work on getting better. When I train outdoors, I work on improving my skills. After every session, I also talk with my coach so they can guide me and help me become a better cyclist.
The Masaka Cycling Club feels like family to me, it has shaped who I am today
How important is the Masaka Cycling Club for you in the process of becoming a competitive cyclist?
The Masaka Cycling Club plays a huge role in my life, not just in cycling. When I’m at the club, I feel safe. It’s like a family. Without it, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. The club also provides scholarship funds based on performance and commitment, which helps a lot. Scholarships are awarded based on various factors, including discipline, listening to coaches, following training programs, and showing respect.
Professional cycling on the African continent is finally gaining more recognition, but there is still a lot of work to be done. What do you think will help further develop professional cycling in Africa and bring more attention to it?
First of all, as cyclists, we must take anti-doping very seriously. Sometimes, we think it’s only the coaches’ responsibility, but it’s not, it’s up to us as riders. We should truly understand what cycling is, not just be in the sport without knowing it. I am still learning, but every day, I discover something new.
Miria is currently training at the UCI Africa High Performance Camp in Rwanda, where she is making significant strides in her preparation. Pictured second from the left, she is part of a dedicated team that recently received a special visit from Jacques Landry, the UCI Head of Training & Development, along with the newly appointed President of the African Cycling Confederation, Mr. Yeo Allah-Kouame.After her time in Rwanda, Miria will return home for a short break before heading to France for an intensive three-month training period as she prepares for the 2025 World Championships.
Photo courtesy of Nantume Miria
Respect is also important. In Europe, I believe cyclists respect each other regardless of age. We should do the same, support and teach each other. Whenever someone gets an opportunity to travel and learn, they should come back and share their knowledge so that we grow together as one team.
Respect among cyclists is essential – it’s time to support and learn from each other.
What does your upcoming road season look like and what are your main goals for the near future?
This season, the main focus is on the World Championships in Rwanda and the African Continental Championships. My goal is to join a team in Europe because it will give me the opportunity to learn more, inspire others, and compete in bigger international races.
