Written By | BK Mugizi
Thomas Tayebwa greets the participants
Search
BUSHENYI
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID), describing the TOOKE initiative as a strategic programme for promoting value addition, food security, industrialisation, and improved livelihoods among matooke-growing communities across Uganda.
The President's message was delivered on Saturday by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa during the Olympic Day TOOKE Run, held at Bushenyi Main Playground in Bushenyi District, which attracted thousands of participants from across the country.
Held under the theme, "Move, Learn and Discover for Nutrition Care," the event combined athletic competition with a public health campaign aimed at promoting nutrition, healthy living, and sustainable agricultural development.
Winners of the marathon being awarded
Tayebwa said President Museveni had closely followed the growth of the TOOKE initiative from its early stages and remained committed to ensuring that the programme expands its national impact.
"The President has watched TOOKE grow from the grassroots, and this gives him confidence to continue supporting the initiative. The vision behind TOOKE is aimed at promoting and developing the whole nation," Tayebwa said.
The colourful run was jointly organised by the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID), implemented under the Banana Industrial Research and Development Centre (BIRDC), in partnership with the Uganda Olympic Committee.
Organisers said the event was designed to create awareness about banana value addition, encourage healthier lifestyles, and highlight the importance of matooke in enhancing food security and combating malnutrition.
Rev. Prof. Florence Isabirye Muranga, Director General of BIRDC and founder of the TOOKE initiative, said the programme seeks to position Uganda's banana sector on the global stage through science, innovation, and nutrition-driven value addition.
"We organised this event to promote the great Ugandan banana brand to the world and demonstrate how science and innovation can transform agriculture and improve livelihoods," Muranga said.
She thanked the government for its continued support for research and innovation.
"Our theme today, 'Move, Learn and Discover for Nutrition Care,' is not merely a slogan. It is a call to action. This is not just a race; it is a celebration of health, innovation, and national pride," she said.
Uganda Olympic Committee President Donald Rukare said proceeds from the run would support Ugandan athletes preparing to represent the country in Algeria next month.
"This run is not only promoting health and community participation but will also contribute to supporting Ugandan athletes as they prepare to represent the country in Algeria next month," Rukare said.
Sheema District Deputy Resident District Commissioner Sam Orikunda urged parents and guardians to prioritise proper nutrition to eliminate malnutrition among children.
The event also featured competitive races that showcased outstanding athletic talent.
Joshua Ayeko won the men's 5-kilometre race, while Chebet Isera emerged victorious in the women's category.
In the 10-kilometre races, Jabeth Chesiro claimed the men's title, while Nancy Chepkorir won the women's event.
The 21-kilometre half marathon was dominated by institutional athletes, with Abel Chebet of the Uganda Police Force taking the men's title and Esther Chebet of the Uganda Prisons Service winning the women's category.
Organisers expressed optimism that the Olympic Day TOOKE Run will become an annual event, using sport to advance nutrition awareness, strengthen food security, and promote healthier communities across Uganda.
Torch Media Africa
