- Event: Olympic Day Tooke Run
- Date: Saturday, 20th June 2026
- Categories: 5KM, 10KM, 21KM
- Kit fees: Ug.Shs 35,000
- Venue: Bushenyi
- Start Time: 6 AM
- Theme: “Move, Learn and Discover for Nutrition-Care”
On 20th June 2026, the historic Olympic Day Tooke run will be held in Bushenyi District, Western Uganda.
This run under the theme “Move, Learn and Discover for Nutrition Care” is organized by the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID), Banana Industrial Research and Development Centre in conjunction with the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC).
Part of the proceeds from the run will be channeled toward to 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.
To amplify the run, there is a brave and bold fight against malnutrition in Uganda as fronted by Prof. Rev. Florence Isabirye Muranga, the Nutrition Ambassador for Uganda Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
On Friday, 22nd May 2026, the Olympic Day Tooke Run got the full endorsement from key stakeholders; the clergy, sports officials and other local leaders from Busoga region in Eastern Uganda.
This key note event took place at the Njeru based offices of the Banana Industrial Research and Development Centre during a special fundraising breakfast ahead of the 2026 Olympic Day Tooke Run.
Lydia Dhamuzungu, the Chef de Mission for Team Uganda at the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics, represented the president of UOC and Commonwealth Games Union, Dr Donald “Don” Rukare.
One of the clergy men present was Rt. Rev. Prof. Dr. Grace Lubaale.
Our partnership between Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC)/Commonwealth Games Uganda and the PIBID & BIRDC has grown stronger and more impactful, setting a foundation for excellence and innovation in both sports and community development. This partnership is built on the three values of Olympism; Excellence, Respect and Friendship. The value of excellence encourages us to be the best, embodying dedication and resilience. For athletes to achieve excellence, they require good nutrition. Good nutrition does not only enhance athletic performance of sportsmen and sportswomen but also the wellbeing of community members. Our partnership symbolizes our shared commitment to harnessing sports as a vehicle for transformation, opportunity, and national pride. We believe sports can play a big role in accelerating the transformation of matooke as a subsistence crop into a competitive high quality product, one of the key deliverables of the PIBID/BIRDC. In doing so, improve nutrition of our people including athletes. Let us rise together and declare that Malnutrition has no place in Uganda’s future. In our shared vision with PIBID/BIRDC, we have rebranded our usual Olympic Day run celebrating Olympism to Tooke Run. The Olympic Day Tooke Run is expected to bring together communities across Uganda, inspiring healthier lifestyles and celebrating the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect. The partnership we have established goes beyond supporting and organising events to supporting preparation of athletes for major games where they display their talents and profile our country. In the live span of our partnership, we have two multisport games; the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar this July and October respectively. These events foster international friendships and inspire the next generation of Ugandan champions. On behalf of the UOC/CGU, I reaffirm our commitment to nurturing this partnership for the long term. We are dedicated to working together with PIBID/BIRDC, our athletes and all stakeholders to strengthen Uganda’s sporting legacy and drive sustainable progress for our nation.I acknowledge and appreciate the support of the Director General Tooke, who is also our ambassador. I thank all our partners and stakeholders for standing with us. I invite you not to just give but believe, commit and lead in the cause that is a bridge between wellbeing of communities and sports. We encourage you and more companies to participate in this initiative Together, let us run for nutrition. Together, let us build a healthier Uganda.
Dr Donald Rukare, President Uganda Olympic Committee
The President of Uganda His Excellency General Yoweri Museveni Kaguta is expected to be the chief runner.
Runners will compete in the 5KM (recreational), 10KM and 21KM (Half marathon).
Elite runners will earn some money for the heard toiled effort with lots of other prizes to be given out.
