President Museveni to Headline Inaugural Olympic Day Tooke Run in Bushenyi

The much-anticipated Olympic Day Tooke Run is set to take place this Saturday, June 20, in the western district of Bushenyi, with President Yoweri Museveni slated to be the guest of honour. Organizers have confirmed the President’s attendance, marking a significant endorsement for this inaugural event.

The run, themed “Move, Learn and Discover for Nutrition-Care,” is a collaborative effort between the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID), the Banana Industrial Research and Development Centre, and the Uganda Olympic Committee. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of nutrition, particularly through innovative food products derived from bananas.

Participants will have the opportunity to compete in 5km, 10km, and 21km races, with substantial prize money totaling Shs120 million up for grabs. The event also coincides with the global celebration of World Olympic Day on June 23, which commemorates the establishment of the International Olympic Committee.

At the heart of the “Tooke” brand are the pioneering food products developed by Rev Prof Florence Isabirye Muranga. Her work has transformed the traditional matooke (banana) into more durable and versatile forms, including crisps, biscuits, bread, and flour, significantly enhancing its nutritional value and marketability.

Kickboxer Moses Golola, a prominent Tooke ambassador, has also announced his participation and is currently in rigorous training. He lauded the Tooke products, especially the porridge, for their health benefits and taste, encouraging others, particularly those of similar physique, to seek his guidance for their running preparations.

The run is scheduled to commence at 6 am in Bushenyi, with registration costing Shs35,000.

This event was reported by the Daily Monitor.