Twende Butiama cycling trip begins today
DAR ES SALAAM: THE highly anticipated Twende Butiama cycling tour officially kicks off today in Dar es Salaam, with over 200 dedicated cyclists ready to embark on a remarkable journey covering more than 1,500 kilometres over approximately 11 days.
This meaningful event is held in tribute to the legacy of Tanzania’s Founding Father, the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, whose vision and influence continue to shape the nation.
On Wednesday, participants gathered at the residence of Mwalimu Nyerere to receive blessings from his widow, Mama Maria Nyerere, as a symbolic and heartfelt send-off.
Speaking ahead of the event, Agapinus Tax, the Director of Risk and Compliance at Vodacom Tanzania, announced that the tour will pass through 11 regions and include international cyclists from Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Congo, Zambia and Malawi.
“More than 200 cyclists will take part in this journey from Dar es Salaam to Butiama. Out of those, 50 will return midway, while 150 will ride all the way to the final destination,” he said.
This year’s edition spans over 1,500 kilometres and brings together participants from across Tanzania, including Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Tanga, Lindi, Mbeya, Kagera, Dodoma, Dar es Salaam, Coast and Tabora.
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There will also be cyclists from Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Botswana, Congo, Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, the United States, the Netherlands and Nigeria. In the past two years, the Twende Butiama initiative has made significant contributions, planting over 100,000 trees, reaching 23,000 people with mobile health clinics, donating 1,900 school desks to 32 public schools, and providing 50 bicycles to students with long commutes.
Organisers aim to reach 10 schools, plant an additional 50,000 trees and positively impact over 700,000 Tanzanians including children, youth and the elderly. Gracing the launch, Gerson Msigwa – Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, said the tour not only preserving the legacy of Mwalimu Nyerere but also for its broader impact on health and community development.
“This tour is a reminder of unity and patriotism. “Participants get a chance to learn history through experience. The government will continue prioritising sports, culture and environmental conservation efforts,” he said.
“Twende Butiama is not just a sporting event it’s a platform for climate change advocacy to ensure a better future for generations to come,” he added.
Tour leader. Gabriel Landa shared that the journey will feature a number of social impact activities, all inspired by Mwalimu Nyerere’s three core values: fighting ignorance, disease and poverty.
“Cyclists will participate in environmental conservation activities, such as planting trees around Mount Kilimanjaro and at the source of the Pangani River, to help preserve these vital ecosystems,” Landa noted.
In addition, Wilmot Ishengoma, Head of Risk at Stanbic Bank Tanzania, emphasised the tour’s growing influence in encouraging healthy lifestyles and community engagement. “This caravan continues to inspire communities, especially in promoting exercise and wellness,” he said.
