Rev. Prof. Florence Isabirye Muranga has called on Ugandans to embrace nutrition-focused initiatives, saying the fight against malnutrition must extend beyond athletes and reach every child in the country.
Speaking during the Olympic Day Tooke Run in Bushenyi District, Muranga said the event was designed to promote healthier lifestyles while drawing attention to the role of nutrition in building a stronger and healthier population.
“Our theme today, ‘Move, Learn, Discover with Nutrition-Care,’ is not merely a slogan. It is a call to action. This is not just a race. It is a celebration of health, innovation and national pride,” Muranga said.
The founder of the Tooke Initiative said the campaign is using sport as a platform to promote better nutrition, food security and value addition through matooke products. She argued that transforming matooke into high-value nutritional products could help improve community health while reducing post-harvest losses.
Muranga stressed that nutrition should be viewed as a national priority, particularly for children.
“As Nutrition Ambassador, my commitment extends beyond athletes. It reaches every child in Uganda because today’s well-nourished child is tomorrow’s champion,” she said.
Her remarks came as hundreds of runners, athletes and community members gathered for the event, which combined Olympic Day celebrations with a public health campaign aimed at tackling malnutrition and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Muranga welcomed growing support for the Tooke Initiative, which advocates for value addition to matooke through products such as flour and other processed foods. She said innovation in agriculture and nutrition can play a key role in improving food security and creating economic opportunities for communities.
The event attracted participants from across the country and featured 5km, 10km and 21km races. Organisers said the run was intended to raise awareness about nutrition while encouraging Ugandans to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Stakeholders expressed hope that the Olympic Day Tooke Run will become an annual event, helping to keep nutrition, food security and healthy living at the centre of national conversations.
