A Ugandan cyclist and digital advocate, has set off on an epic 13,000 km journey from Uganda to Namibia, crossing ten countries to raise awareness about the opportunities and risks of the digital era.

Combining endurance, advocacy, and education, Andrew Gole’s ride aims to inspire communities across East, Central, and Southern Africa to embrace digital tools safely and inclusively.

The expedition, which passes through Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, and Rwanda before culminating in Windhoek, Namibia, is timed to coincide with the 2025 Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica25).

At the launch, Brian Byaruhanga, a digital expert with SIPESA Uganda, called the initiative “timely and crucial” as technology continues to reshape economies and societies worldwide.

“Today we are flagging off free riders Uganda bikers to go and do there journey which will end up in Namibia as a collaboration of the event we host every year, the reason why we are supporting Gole is we believe there so many people that were left behind in this digital era and we shall endevour that what Boole does is vital, those that are not able to go to Namibia for FIFA Africa are able to appreciate and take part in this annual event,” Byaruhanga said.

Gole’s adventure is far more than a test of endurance, it is a mobile classroom. Along the route, he will engage in community workshops, visit schools, and conduct media sessions to educate people on cybersecurity best practices, the potential of artificial intelligence to improve livelihoods, and how digital technologies can drive development.

Previous initiatives by Gole show his dedication to digital advocacy on wheels. In 2022, he cycled from Uganda to Zambia, covering 3,300 km over 28 days, stopping along the way to train communities and organizations in digital security as part of the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica22).

In 2020, his “Digital Security on Wheels” project took him to the Eastern and Northern regions of Uganda, providing hands-on digital security guidance to rural civil society organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

His journey is expected to last several months, with updates shared across social media platforms to reach a broader audience and continue the conversation on digital awareness worldwide.