Finding Home - Reflections on the the first Velosolutions Pump Track in Uganda

Apr 14, 2023

Written by Bart de Jong

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Uganda. 40kms south of Kampala as the crow flies, close enough for a bodaboda ride from Entebbe costing as little as 2,000 shillings, on the shores of Lake Victoria lies the rural village of Zziba. Here lies the story. One of smiles, sport, the development of Kasanje Cycling and making a difference in a small community with support from Pump for Peace.

Pump for Peace is a global initiative from Swiss-based Velosolutions, focused on providing sporting facilities and opportunities in underprivileged communities, making cycling and action sports more accessible than ever before. No matter your race, gender or religion, sport has the power to unite communities around the World, and the charity was founded on this belief.

The warm and vibrant community of Zziba is home to Kasanje Cycling, a project run by Sam Mutton and Rafael Otim as part of their work with the Musizi Joy Foundation, an NGO working in Kampala, Uganda with a focus on community development projects that empower and provide for women, children and young people in struggling communities. Kasanje Bike Park is the first of its kind in Uganda and provides a safe space for people in the community. In February 2023, Pump for Peace completed construction of the first asphalt pump track in the country in collaboration with Rotwild Bikes.