The Director General of Banana Industrial Research Development Centre (BIRDC) and Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID) Rev. Professor Florence Isabirye Muranga confesses that the right nutrition is a necessity for great performance of athletes, backed by scientifically backed nutrition.
“To compete at the highest global levels, our athletes need more than talent and training. They require scientifically backed and grounded nutrition” she revealed.
Rev Prof. Muranga made the remarks as she addressed journalists at the BIRDC and PIBID head offices in Kampala ahead of the 2026 Olympic Day Tooke run due on 20th June in Bushenyi.
“The human body requires high-quality fuel, particularly carbohydrates and healthy fats, to sustain energy. These are stored as glycogen in muscles and the liver, enabling endurance and delaying fatigue maximising stamina during both rigorous training and competition. It is noteworthy that intense physical activity causes micro-tears in muscle tissue. Therefore, consuming high-quality nutrition especially post-workout provides the essential building blocks needed to repair these tears, build new muscle fibres and significantly reduce recovery time between demanding sessions. Furthermore, hydration and electrolyte balance regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, prevent debilitating muscle cramps and maintain healthy cardiovascular function during exertion. 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.
The Olympic Day Tooke run is an initiative born out of a strategic partnership between the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID) and the Uganda Olympic Committee.
It will be dwelt upon the theme “Move, Learn, Discover with Nutrition-Care”.
“is not merely a slogan. It is a call to action. We move through sport, health and community engagement. We learn by embracing the science of nutrition and the innovation behind TOOKE products. And we discover the power of Uganda’s own resources to fuel athletes, nurture children and strengthen communities” she added.
It is a celebration of health, innovation and national pride. It commemorates Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect, while promoting nutrition care for Team Uganda and strengthening early childhood feeding practices across our communities. By doing this, we are laying a foundation for excellence both on the track and in life. Together, we are building a legacy where sport and nutrition walk hand in hand to uplift Uganda.
The Director General of Banana Industrial Research Development Centre (BIRDC) and Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID) Rev. Professor Florence Isabirye Muranga
Rev Professor Muranga also officially unveiled the official routes for the run in the 5KM, 10KM and 21KM (half marathon) races.
President Museveni is expected to be the chief guest at this run.
Fundraising drive:
The Olympic Day Tooke run is also envisaged as a mobilization tool with a total amount of Ug.Shs 4.47 billion, of which Ug.Shs 2.5 billion will be an initial impetus towards the nutritional legacy where Ug.Shs 1.97 billion shall be dedicated to the run.
