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By Octavius Tunanukye
BUSHENYI, Uganda — The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has reaffirmed Parliament's commitment to supporting the Tooke Project, describing it as a transformative initiative whose impact extends far beyond what many Ugandans currently perceive.
Tayebwa made the remarks while representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Chief Guest, at the inaugural Olympic Day Tooke Run 2026 held yesterday 20th June 2026 at Bushenyi Playground in Bushenyi District. Held under the theme, "Run for Nutrition, Run for Health, Run for Uganda's Future," the event brought together hundreds of participants from across the country in a unique blend of sports, nutrition advocacy, cultural promotion, and economic empowerment.
Organized through a partnership between the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID/BIRDC) and the Uganda Olympic Committee, the run highlighted the importance of healthy living, proper nutrition, sustainable agricultural development, and the promotion of Uganda's staple food crop, matooke.
While delivering President Museveni's message, Tayebwa commended Professor Florence Muranga, Director of PIBID/BIRDC and Uganda Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Uganda Nutrition Ambassador, for championing the Tooke Project and using sports as a platform to advance national development goals.
He pledged continued parliamentary support for the initiative and called for increased public awareness campaigns to deepen community engagement and expand the project's impact.
"It gives me great joy to witness such an event because when you see a child grow, you know your efforts have not been in vain," Museveni said in a message read by Tayebwa.
The President praised Bushenyi District for its contribution to Uganda's economic growth through agricultural production and highlighted the significance of the Tooke Project in promoting nutrition, culture, and national identity.
He described matooke as more than just food, noting that it represents a cultural symbol for many Ugandan communities.
"As we run for Tooke, let us remember the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles through proper nutrition. Sports and good feeding go hand in hand," the President's message stated.
Museveni also emphasized patriotism, national unity, and the need to support local production and consumption.
"Grow what you eat and eat what you grow. Let us ensure that no one is left behind in the money economy," he urged.
The President further credited the NRM government for creating an environment that supports economic growth and poverty eradication and called upon citizens to work collectively towards national development.
Meanwhile, Professor Florence Muranga expressed gratitude to the PIBID/BIRDC Board of Directors led by Board Chairperson Dr. Mabirizi, as well as officials from the Uganda Olympic Committee, for their support and partnership in advancing the Tooke agenda.
Muranga said the collaboration had successfully leveraged the influence of sports to promote the government's banana industrialization programme while encouraging healthy nutrition among athletes and the wider population.
"This initiative makes me proud to be Ugandan because government has supported efforts aimed at improving nutrition among our athletes, which remains a matter of national importance," she said.
She appealed for increased government support to PIBID/BIRDC, arguing that greater investment would empower more Ugandans, create economic opportunities, and strengthen Uganda's competitiveness on the international stage.
The sporting competition produced outstanding performances from some of Uganda's top long-distance runners. In the men's half marathon, Abel Chebet of Uganda Police emerged victorious, claiming first place and a cash prize of UGX 15 million. His Uganda Police teammate Martin Kiprotich finished second to earn UGX 9 million, while Alex Kiplangat of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) secured third place and received UGX 7 million.
In the women's half marathon, Esther Chebet from Kapchorwa District emerged champion and walked away with UGX 15 million.
Speaking after crossing the finish line, Abel Chebet expressed excitement about winning the inaugural edition of the race.
"I am happy for this victory in the Olympic Day Tooke Run. Each race comes with its own challenges. This one was hilly, but nonetheless, I am excited," he said.
In the women's 10-kilometre race, Nancy Cheprui secured first place and received UGX 5 million. Charity Chebet finished second and earned UGX 4 million, while Gloria Chebet claimed third place and was awarded UGX 3 million.
The inaugural Olympic Day Tooke Run reinforced the message that proper nutrition, regular exercise, and agricultural development are key pillars of a healthy and productive society. It also marked a significant milestone in promoting sports excellence, nutrition awareness, cultural identity, and wealth creation under one national initiative, while firmly positioning Bushenyi District on Uganda's growing sporting calendar.
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