The General Director of Banana Industrial Research and Development Centre (BIRDC), Rev. Prof. Florence Isabirye Muranga used the launch of the OLYMPIC DAY–TOOKE RUN to make one message which was Uganda cannot build champions without fighting malnutrition first.
Speaking during the press briefing in Kampala at the TOOKE offices ahead of the June 20 event in Bushenyi District, Muranga described the run as more than a sporting event, calling it a national campaign to improve nutrition, support athletes and uplift communities through Uganda’s matooke industry.
“Our theme today, ‘Move, Learn, Discover with Nutrition-Care,’ is not merely a slogan. It is a call to action,” she said.
The run is a partnership between the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID), BIRDC and the Uganda Olympic Committee, with TOOKE named the official nutrition partner.
Muranga, who was appointed Nutrition Ambassador under the partnership, said the initiative aims to connect sport, health and nutrition while supporting both athletes and vulnerable children.
“This is not just a race. It is a celebration of health, innovation and national pride,” she said.
A large part of her address focused on childhood malnutrition, which she described as one of Uganda’s biggest challenges. She noted that poor nutrition during the weaning stage continues to affect children’s growth, learning and future athletic potential.
“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.
Muranga also explained the importance of proper nutrition in sports, saying athletes need the right diet to maintain energy, recover faster and compete at the highest level.
“Without proper nutrition, peak performance is not sustainable,” she added.
She praised the work done by BIRDC in turning matooke into modern nutrition products such as TOOKE flour, which she said provides lasting energy while preserving the crop’s natural nutrients.
“Our TOOKE flours are nutritional powerhouses,” she noted.
Muranga then called on sponsors, partners and the sports fraternity to support the initiative, revealing that organisers are mobilising UGX4.47 billion for the inaugural event.
“Your contribution is not just funding an event. It is investing in a healthier nation, a stronger sports sector and a more resilient agricultural economy,” she said.
Event manager Timothy Masaba later explained the different race categories and routes, saying the event is designed to benefit both elite runners and the local Bushenyi community.
The 5km race will mainly target matooke farmers aged above 40 and under-16 athletes preparing for the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.
“If an elite runner runs the 5km, it is most likely we will not pay because we want to leave that money in the community,” Masaba explained.
The event will also include 10km and 21km races for elite athletes.
Masaba said the routes will take runners through the hills, plantations and villages of Bushenyi and the greater Ishaka region on a mix of tarmac and smooth murram roads.
“We are going to move by running. We will learn and discover the scenery and beautification around Bushenyi and the greater Ishaka region through tourism,” he said.
He described the 21km route from Mitoma as particularly challenging because of the high altitude, comparing it to elite training areas in Kapchorwa.
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Race day will also feature TOOKE products such as biscuits, cakes and milkshakes for runners and spectators.
