TOUR 2026 – GACS Europe

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GACS 2026: Days One From Kampala to Mbale
The Great African Cycling Safari (GACS) 2026 officially qqLcommenced on 12 August 2026 with a flag-off ceremony held at the Ministry of East African Community Affairs, Kingdom Kampala.

The ceremony was graced by the Guest of Honour Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, and Kampala City Lord Mayor, H.E. Nsubuga Balimwezo, joined the team as Chief Rider for the inaugural stage.

Following the flag-off, the GACS team embarked on its first leg from Kampala to Jinja, the first overnight stop of the 55-day journey. Upon arrival, the team was warmly received by Mr. Robert Tukamuhebwa the Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Jinja City, and Col. Joseph Akalebo, Deputy Chief of Staff, Uganda Rapid Deployment Coordination Centre (URDCC), at Gaddafi Barracks.

The team was hosted for the night in Jinja at URDCC, where the cyclists were briefed on the Centre’s role in supporting peace, security and regional integration. The next morning, the team participated in a conservation activity where they planted 100 trees at the Centre. The activity reinforced GACS 2026’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development across East Africa.

Day Two: Jinja to Mbale

On Day Two, the team was officially flagged off by the RCC of Jinja City Salim Komakech and continued its journey eastward towards Mbale, covering approximately 153 kilometres.

Upon arrival in Mbale, the team settled at the Semei Kangunguku Museum on Gangama Hill, where they were warmly received by representatives from the Mbale City Tourism Office.

The journey continues, with GACS 2026 combining cycling, East African integration, environmental conservation, tourism promotion and community engagement across the region.

55 Days. 6,000+ Kilometres. On CTe East Africa.
#GACS2026 #WheelsOfIntegration #OneTeamOneDream

GACS 2026 — Day Three: From Heritage to Water, Mbale

Day Three of the GACS 2026 journey was a day of heritage, conservation, leadership and water for integration. The team visited the Semei Kakungulu Museum, gaining insights into the rich history and heritage of the region, before the tree planting activity together with Mt Elgon Tree Enterprise activity as part of GACS’s commitment to environmental conservation. The team also paid a courtesy call to the Mbale City Lord Mayor’s Office, where the leadership blessed the expedition and wished the riders a safe and successful journey.

The highlight of the day was a tour of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) water treatment facility in Mbale, which provides water services to seven districts. The visit offered the team an opportunity to appreciate the vital role of water infrastructure in supporting communities and regional development.

GACS extends its sincere appreciation to our sponsor, National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), for the opportunity, belief in our vision and continued support. “Water is the first sign of integration, because it connects communities, supports livelihoods and reminds us that the resources we share can bring East Africans closer together,” said John Bosco Balongo, GACS Expedition Director. The team later proceeded to Mbale Redort Hotel, where they spent the night as the journey continues.

This morning, the GACS 2026 team heads to Kapchorwa, where they will spend the night.
A key activity will be planting a memorial tree at the site where more than 50 children from King David School tragically lost their lives. The tree will serve as a lasting symbol of remembrance, hope and the value of protecting future generations.
#GACS2026 #WheelsOfIntegration

GACS 2026 - Day 4+5

Yesterday, the GACS 2026 cycling team arrived at the Suam Border from Kapchorwa as part of the ongoing 55-day expedition promoting peace, unity, and regional integration across East Africa.

Upon arrival, the participants were received and guided through the necessary immigration and border clearance procedures. Directorate of Immigration and citizenship led by Mr. Okumu, who ensured a smooth and coordinated clearance process at the Boader . The team was also taken on a tour of the border area, led by the Border Supervisor, providing an opportunity to learn more about the operations and importance of the Suam Border in facilitating movement and regional cooperation.

The cyclists were successfully cleared by both the Uganda and Kenya immigration authorities before officially crossing into the Republic of Kenya.

Earlier, the Minister of State for East African Community Affairs, Hon. James Magode Ikuya, had flagged off the GACS cyclists at the Suam Border, marking an important milestone in the expedition. 🇺🇬🤝🇰🇪

Upon entering Kenya, the team was safely received and welcomed by Kenyan officials, including representatives from the County Government of Trans Nzoia and the EAC leadership. The State Minister of EAC Affairs formally handed over the cyclists to the Kenyan authorities, including the EAC Kenya Director in the Ministry of Education, who represented the County Government of Trans Nzoia.

The GACS team was privileged to be hosted at Anderson Institute, where they received a warm welcome and hospitality. Special appreciation goes to the Principal, Mr. Barasa Peter, for generously hosting and supporting the team.

The successful border crossing and reception in Kenya demonstrate the spirit of cooperation, friendship, and regional integration that GACS 2026 seeks to promote. The journey continues as the cyclists take on the next stage of their 55-day expedition, covering 6000+KM across East Africa with the message of peace, unity, integration, and improved livelihoods.

One Region. One People. One East Africa.

#GACS2026 #WheelsOfIntegration #EastAfricanIntegration #RideForEastAfrica #StrongerTogether #PeaceAndUnity

GACS 2026 Day 6

Our GACS 2026 team received a warm and inspiring welcome in Trans Nzoia County. A team of children from Pamcharl Child Care welcomed us with beautiful flowers and presented a trophy to the team in recognition of our great mission to promote One East Africa, unity, peace and regional integration.

We were then led to the office of the County Secretary, Madam Truphosa Amere, who warmly received the team and flagged us off with a token in an envelope to support us along the journey, together with water.

The journey continued & team from Transma Hresse Supermarket, led by Mr Alex Olando generously supported the team with water and glucose for the road ahead.

We are deeply grateful for the hospitality, encouragement and support. Every gesture keeps the Wheels of Integration moving.

One East Africa. One People. One Future.

⁠Our borders should connect us, not divide us. Regional integration begins when East Africans see themselves as one people with a shared future. ⁠Madam Truphosa Amere, County Secretary, Trans Nzoia County, Kenya

#GACS2026 #WheelsOfIntegration #EACIntegration #OneEastAfrica #EastAfricanCommunity #RideForEastAfrica

DAY 7 -TIMBOROA -WHERE THE EQUATOR MEETS THE HIGHLANDS

The road rises. The pedals turn. The kilometres disappear behind us. With every climb, the landscape transforms. The warm air of the lowlands fades into cool mountain winds. Mist rolls across the hills. Green forests appear on the horizon, while farms stretch endlessly across the highlands.

And then, we arrive at Timboroa. This is not just another stop on GACS 2026. This is where the adventure takes a dramatic turn. High above the Rift Valley, Timboroa surprises you. The Equator is here, but so is the cold. The landscape is wild, beautiful, and unpredictable. The roads have tested our legs, the climbs have tested our determination, and every kilometre has rewarded us with another incredible view. For one unforgettable night, Timboroa becomes our home.

The bicycles come to a stop. The riders catch their breath. Stories of the day's adventure begin to flow. Hahahaha, today is a no bathing day! Hohoho the cold... am frozen. Men this is not cold, it's something else.

After days of cycling, climbing hills, battling the wind, fixing bicycles, and pushing through long kilometres, Timboroa presents us with a different kind of challenge.

But that is the beauty of GACS. Every day brings something unexpected. One day it is the heat. Another day it is a steep climb. Then comes a long stretch of road.
And tonight? Trust me, Timboroa is legendary cold! This is what GACS is all about. The adventure is the ride. The destination is the connection. This is more than cycling.

It is adventure., It is friendship. It is discovering places we may never have experienced otherwise. It is meeting communities, hearing their stories, sharing laughter, and discovering the incredible diversity of East Africa, one pedal stroke at a time. Above all, IT IS A DANCE ON WHEELS. And now, Nakuru is calling. Another beautiful city awaits!

So, if you have ever dreamed of discovering East Africa differently, not from behind a window, but from the saddle of a bicycle…. this is your invitation. GACS 2026 — A Two-Wheel Journey to EAC Integration Connecting East Africa, one pedal stroke at a time. Support the journey via Airtel Money: Dial 1859 ID: 4422991 Every contribution keeps the wheels turning! #GACS2026 #WheelsOfIntegration #eastafricancommumity

DAY 8 GACS 2026: FROM TIMBOROA TO MENENGAI HIGH SCHOOL! KE

High in the Kenyan highlands, Timboroa welcomed the GACS 2026 riders with some of the coldest conditions of the entire tour. At over 2,700 metres above sea level, this is one of Kenya’s highest inhabited areas. Cold air, steep climbs, breathtaking landscapes, and cyclists pushing beyond their limit, Timboroa is where endurance meets altitude! After conquering the first GACS Challenge in Timboroa, the team made their way to Menengai High School, Nakuru, where they settled in for the night, recharging and preparing for kesho -Naivasha! A special highlight awaits: GACS will launch its second Integration Club at Menengai High School, inspiring young people to champion unity, connection, and East African integration. One ride. One region. One East Africa. One people, One Destiny

From the road to the classroom: GACS is connecting East Africa, one community at a time. #gacs2026 #wheelsofintegration Day 8. GACS team's stage 7 at full Gospel church of Kenya in Timboroa, the team this early morning visited Kenya Forest Service Timboroa where they were given tree plants to take to different communities now they have entered Nakuru county and the team's stage 8 is at menengai high school nakuru

The People Behind the Kilometres The most powerful part of GACS cannot be measured in kilometres. 1.⁠ ⁠It is the rider who wakes up tired and gets back on the bicycle.

2.⁠ ⁠It is the local cyclist who joins the convoy for a few kilometres.

3.⁠ ⁠It is the child who watches the riders arrive and begins to imagine what is possible.

4.⁠ ⁠It is the host who opens a door.

5.⁠ ⁠It is the community that shares food, stories and friendship.

6.⁠ ⁠It is the volunteer working behind the scenes to keep everything moving.

7.⁠ ⁠It is the partner who continues to believe in the vision.

8.⁠ ⁠It is the student discovering an integration club at school.

9.⁠ ⁠It is the families, friends and supporters who follow the journey, encourage the riders and cheer them on from afar.

10.⁠ ⁠It is the people who provide water, meals, transport, accommodation, medical support and countless small acts of kindness along the way.

11.⁠ ⁠And it is every person who believes that, one bicycle, one community and one kilometre at a time, we can build a more connected East Africa.

GACS is not just about the people on the bicycles. It is about everyone who makes the journey possible.

One Team. One Dream. One East Africa.

DAY 9-11 GACS 2026:

We cycle to discover Africa, but also to understand its challenges and be part of the solutions. In Nairobi, GACS 2026 brings the bicycle to the city, the community and the river—connecting tourism, environmental action and East African integration. Today, the GACS 2026 team will explore Nairobi by bicycle, taking in some of the city’s key sights and visiting Nairobi River restoration projects. The visit will give us an opportunity to learn from ongoing efforts to restore the river, protect the environment and engage communities in sustainable solutions. On Monday, the team will be officially flagged off in Nairobi at the Ministry of East African Community Affairs, marking the start of the second leg of our journey towards Tanzania. The wheels keep turning. The journey continues. #GACS2026 #WheelsOfIntegration #EastAfricanIntegration #NairobiRiver #CyclingAfrica

GACS 2026 — STAGE 12: AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF KENYA (ASK ) PARTNERSHIP

Stage 12 of the Great African Cycling Safari (GACS) was hosted by the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) from Friday to Monday morning. ASK Branch Manager, Mr. Kefa Nyachwaya, appreciated GACS for bringing East African countries together around a common vision of regional unity, peace, food security and deeper integration.

The Agricultural Society of Kenya ( ASK) has also invited GACS to participate in its Trade Show and Exhibition Expo from 28 September to 12 October 2026, where GACS will showcase its journey, achievements and impact on East African communities. Looking ahead to GACS 2027, ASK has requested that GACS engage them early in the planning process so they can explore how to participate in GACS activities and mobilize the necessary resources to support the initiative.

This provides an opportunity to build a long-term strategic partnership between GACS and ASK. ONE TEAM, ONE DREAM