The Olympic Day Tooke Run has gained significant momentum following the sale of more than 700 running kits at its official launch, boosting organisers’ efforts to raise Shs2.5 billion to combat malnutrition across Uganda.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID) in partnership with the Uganda Olympic Committee, aims to improve nutrition among athletes while also addressing child malnutrition, particularly in the Busoga and Karamoja sub-regions.
The run is scheduled to take place in Bushenyi on May 20, with President Yoweri Museveni expected to headline the event as chief runner.
Speaking at the launch in Njeru, PIBID Director General Prof. Florence Muranga said the campaign is both a sports and social intervention designed to address nutritional gaps affecting athlete performance and community health.
She noted that part of the funds raised will support Ugandan athletes who often face dietary challenges when competing internationally.
“The objective of this Olympic Day Tooke Run is twofold: to support young sportsmen to compete effectively at international level by improving their nutrition, and to nurture future champions from regions where nutrition remains a major challenge, especially Karamoja and Busoga,” Muranga said.
She added that the initiative also reflects PIBID’s expansion efforts into Busoga, noting that while many Ugandans can afford nutritious foods like banana-based products, a significant section of the population still struggles with access.
“We are cognizant that many people are grappling with nutrition challenges. This campaign is not only about today’s athletes but also about future champions who can come from any part of the country,” she said.
The launch attracted support from various stakeholders, including the Busoga Diocese, which purchased kits worth Shs1 million. The Bishop of Busoga, Rt. Rev. Prof. Grace Lubaale, pledged further support through agricultural expansion.
“We are pledging to plant several acres of matooke and want to lead as the first diocese to support this cause,” Lubaale said.
Uganda Olympic Committee Secretary General Lydia Dhamuzungu highlighted growing collaboration between the Olympic movement and the Tooke initiative, stressing the importance of nutrition in sports performance and community wellbeing.
Financial institutions also backed the campaign. Stanbic Bank’s Head of Personal Banking, Israel Arinaitwe, said the initiative aligns with the bank’s focus on agriculture, youth empowerment and women’s economic participation.
“This run promotes agriculture and sports, which are critical sectors for us,” Arinaitwe said.
Political leaders have also rallied behind the initiative, with Butembe County MP Kirya Wanzala calling for wider mobilisation.
“I will mobilise fellow Members of Parliament and the community to ensure the success of this run. The message is clear — we can achieve good health through sports,” Wanzala said.
With momentum building ahead of the Bushenyi event, organisers are optimistic that the Olympic Day Tooke Run will raise substantial funds while also strengthening the national conversation on nutrition, sports development and athlete welfare in Uganda.
