Hundreds of runners, farmers, nutrition advocates, and sports enthusiasts turned up in Bushenyi District on Saturday for the 2026 Olympic Day Tooke Run, an initiative promoting nutrition, healthy living, and agricultural development.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, flagged off the races on behalf of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, with participants competing in the 21km, 10km, and 5km categories under the theme “Move, Learn and Discover for Nutrition Care.”
Chief Organizer Professor Florence Isabirye Muranga hailed the strong turnout, stressing the run’s role in raising awareness about nutrition and food security. “This run is not only about fitness but also about teaching communities the importance of nutritious foods, especially matooke, which is a staple crop in Uganda,” she said. Muranga added that the initiative is helping households embrace food preservation and nutrition as tools to fight malnutrition.
Representing the President, Tayebwa pledged government backing, calling the campaign a timely intervention. “Nutrition is a key component of national development, and initiatives like this help us build a healthier and more productive population,” he noted. He emphasized that improved nutrition awareness would boost child growth and well-being, while urging Ugandans to invest more in agriculture as the backbone of the economy.
Organizers confirmed that proceeds from the run will support young athletes preparing to represent Uganda at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
The Olympic Day Tooke Run, blending sport, nutrition advocacy, and agricultural awareness, is expected to become an annual fixture as stakeholders intensify efforts to combat malnutrition and promote healthier lifestyles nationwide.
