The build-up to the 2026 Olympic Day Tooke Run continued to gather momentum following a stakeholders’ breakfast meeting held in Jinja, as leaders from the sports fraternity, religious institutions, and the local community rallied behind the initiative aimed at promoting nutrition, health, and sports development in Uganda.

The breakfast engagement, organized by the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID), the Banana Industrial Research and Development Centre (BIRDC), and the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC), brought together various stakeholders to discuss the significance of the Olympic Day Tooke Run scheduled for 20th June 2026 in Bushenyi District.

Held under the theme “Move, Learn and Discover with Nutrition-Care,” the Olympic Day Tooke Run seeks to combine the values of Olympism with the promotion of proper nutrition and healthy living. The event will feature 5KM, 10KM, and 21KM race categories and is expected to attract elite athletes, recreational runners, students, corporate organizations, and community participants from across the country.

During the breakfast meeting, organizers emphasized the importance of proper nutrition in sports performance and community wellbeing, highlighting the role of TOOKE products in improving health and fighting malnutrition.

The Director General of PIBID/BIRDC and Nutrition Ambassador for Uganda Olympics and Commonwealth Games, Rev. Prof. Florence Isabirye Muranga, highlighted the need for proper nutrition for athletes.

“To compete at the highest global levels, our athletes need more than talent and training. They require scientifically backed and grounded nutrition. The human body requires high-quality fuel, particularly carbohydrates and healthy fats, to sustain energy. Furthermore, hydration and electrolyte balance regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, prevent debilitating muscle cramps and maintain healthy cardiovascular function during exertion” she said.

“Through a tailored nutritional programme therefore, athletes can achieve and maintain their ideal body composition, maximising their power-to-weight ratio, agility and overall mechanical efficiency. In simple terms: Without proper nutrition, peak performance is not sustainable” she added.

Representing the Uganda Olympic Committee leadership, Lydia Gloria Dhamuzungu reaffirmed the strength of the partnership between UOC and PIBID/BIRDC.

“Our partnership symbolizes our shared commitment to harnessing sports as a vehicle for transformation, opportunity, and national pride. In our shared vision with PIBID/BIRDC, we have rebranded our usual Olympic Day run celebrating Olympism to Tooke Run. The Olympic Day Tooke Run is expected to bring together communities across Uganda, inspiring healthier lifestyles and celebrating the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect.”

She explained that the initiative is built on the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect, while also promoting nutrition awareness and supporting athlete development ahead of major international competitions such as the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Religious leaders and community representatives from the Busoga region also pledged their support toward mobilizing communities for the run, applauding the initiative for addressing both sports development and public health concerns.

The Olympic Day Tooke Run is expected to serve as a fundraising platform to support athlete preparation and nutrition initiatives, while also raising awareness about the fight against malnutrition in Uganda.

According to organizers, proceeds from the event will contribute toward the welfare and preparation of Ugandan athletes ahead of international competitions.

The inaugural run will take place in Bushenyi District on 20th June 2026, with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni expected to participate as the chief runner.

As preparations continue across different regions of the country, the Jinja breakfast meeting marked another important step in mobilizing support for what organizers hope will become one of Uganda’s flagship community sports and wellness events.

The initiative has continued to attract support from stakeholders in sports, health, agriculture, and community development, all united by the common goal of promoting healthier lifestyles and strengthening Uganda’s sporting future.

The Olympic Day Tooke Run is organized by PIBID/BIRDC in partnership with the Uganda Olympic Committee as part of the annual Olympic Day celebrations, while also championing nutrition-care and community transformation through sport.