Bushenyi District is preparing to host one of Uganda’s major community sporting events after the Uganda Olympic Committee together with PIBID/BIRDC officially unveiled race routes for the Olympic Day TOOKE Run scheduled for June 20.
The event will feature three race categories — 21 kilometres, 10 kilometres, and 5 kilometres — aimed at attracting elite athletes, fitness enthusiasts, students, families, corporate teams, and community participants from across the country.
The routes were unveiled during a press briefing held at the BIRDC Secretariat in Kampala as part of preparations for the national Olympic Day celebrations.
Held under the theme, “Move, Learn, Discover with Nutrition-Care,” organisers said the TOOKE Run is intended to go beyond sport by promoting healthy living, proper nutrition, and the consumption of affordable locally produced food products such as TOOKE flour and other value-added green banana products.
Speaking during the launch, Uganda Olympic Committee Nutritional Ambassador Rev. Dr. Florence Isabirye Muranga said there is a need to combine sports and nutrition in order to build healthier and more competitive communities.
“Today’s well-nourished child is tomorrow’s champion,” Muranga said.
She noted that athletes require more than talent and training to compete successfully at the highest level, explaining that proper nutrition is essential for energy production, endurance, muscle recovery, and overall performance.
“The human body requires high-quality fuel, particularly carbohydrates and healthy fats, to sustain energy during training and competition,” she said. “Good nutrition also helps repair muscle tissue, reduce recovery time, and improve stamina.”
Organisers described the TOOKE Run as a flagship annual event intended to champion youth development and nutrition awareness, particularly among children during early childhood and weaning stages.
They warned that malnutrition continues to undermine health, education, and sports development in Uganda.
According to the 2024 WHO and UNICEF report referenced during the briefing, more than one-third of Ugandan children under the age of five suffer from stunted growth and acute malnutrition, while anaemia remains prevalent among children and women of child-bearing age.
Statistics presented at the launch showed stunting rates remain between 25 and 29 percent, while wasting affects up to 3.6 percent of children under five years.
Organisers attributed the situation to poor feeding practices, poverty, inadequate hygiene, and recurrent infections, especially in vulnerable regions such as Karamoja.
Through the Olympic Day TOOKE Run, organisers hope to encourage Ugandans to embrace healthier lifestyles while raising awareness about the role of proper nutrition in shaping future athletes and leaders.
With preparations underway in Bushenyi, the event is expected to bring together sport, wellness, education, and community engagement in a nationwide celebration.
