Busoga Leaders Rally Behind Fight Against Malnutrition Ahead of Olympic Day Tooke Run

By Kayiira Jackson 

The fight against malnutrition in Uganda received a major boost on Friday as leaders, sports officials, religious figures and development partners gathered at the offices of the Banana Industrial Research and Development Centre for a fundraising breakfast ahead of the 2026 Olympic Day Tooke Run.

The fundraising event, held in Njeru, brought together influential leaders from the Busoga sub-region under a common message that Busoga is rallying behind the fight against malnutrition through sports and community wellness initiatives.

Speaking during the event, Ms Lydia Dhamuzungu, the Chef de Mission for Team Uganda at the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics, said the Olympic movement in Uganda is increasingly using sport as a tool for social transformation, health promotion and national development.

Dhamuzungu noted that part of the proceeds from kit purchases and activities linked to the Olympic Day Tooke Run will support the welfare and preparation of Ugandan athletes before and during international competitions, including the upcoming Youth Olympic Games in Dakar and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“In our shared vision with PIBID/BIRDC, we have rebranded our usual Olympic Day Run into the Olympic Day Tooke Run,” she said. “The partnership goes beyond organising events to supporting athlete preparation while also promoting nutrition and healthier communities.”

She emphasized that the initiative is rooted in the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect, adding that proper nutrition remains critical to athlete performance and community wellbeing.

The President of the Uganda Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Uganda Donald Rukare also hailed the partnership between the Olympic movement and BIRDC, describing it as a long-term collaboration aimed at transforming matooke from a subsistence crop into a competitive and high-quality product that can improve household nutrition and livelihoods.

“Our partnership symbolizes a shared commitment to harnessing sports as a vehicle for transformation, opportunity and national pride,” part of the speech read. “Good nutrition does not only enhance athletic performance but also improves the wellbeing of communities.” Quoted from his speech read by Dhamuzungu in his absentia.

Among the notable guests at the fundraising breakfast was Rev. Florence Isabirye Muranga, the Nutrition Ambassador for Uganda Olympics and Commonwealth Games, who has been at the forefront of promoting nutrition through banana value addition and community empowerment initiatives.

Also present was Rt. Rev. Prof. Dr. Grace Lubaale, whose attendance underscored the growing support from faith leaders in championing health, nutrition and youth development through sports.

The Olympic Day Tooke Run is scheduled for June 20, 2026, at Bushenyi Sports Ground and is expected to attract participants from across the country in a nationwide campaign promoting nutrition awareness, fitness and athlete support.