Overview:
The handover included a range of Ugandan-made Tooke products, including Power Cookies, Sportsman Biscuits, milkshake, Tooke infusions and Tooke porridge flour, all developed from locally sourced bananas to provide natural, sustainable nutrition for high-performance sport.
Team Uganda received a significant boost in its preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games after the Banana Industrial Research and Development Centre (BIRDC) donated locally produced Tooke nutritional products to the different national teams.
The handover included a range of Ugandan-made Tooke products, including Power Cookies, Sportsman Biscuits, milkshake, Tooke infusions and Tooke porridge flour, all developed from locally sourced bananas to provide natural, sustainable nutrition for high-performance sport.
The products were officially handed over at the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) and Commonwealth Games Uganda headquarters in Lugogo by Professor Isabirye Muranga, the UOC/Commonwealth Games Uganda Nutrition Ambassador and Director General of BIRDC/PIBID.
Speaking at the handover, Professor Muranga underscored the importance of nutrition in elite sport, saying it is as essential as training and mental preparation.
She has emphasized the vital role of proper nutrition, discipline, and homegrown innovation in enhancing athletic performance, while encouraging the athletes to proudly represent Uganda on the global stage.
“Proper nutrition is a key ingredient in achieving excellence in sport. Alongside training, discipline and mental preparation, quality nutrition plays a vital role in improving athletes’ performance and recovery,” she said.
Muranga explained that the partnership is intended to provide science-based, locally manufactured nutritional solutions that meet the needs of Ugandan athletes while promoting homegrown innovation.
“We want to develop nutritional products that are tailored to our athletes using locally available resources. This initiative also demonstrates the capacity of Ugandan innovation to support high-performance sport,” she added.
She further urged the athletes to represent Uganda with pride, uphold discipline and integrity, reject all forms of competition manipulation and betting, and remain focused on their goals.
Uganda Olympic Committee President Dr. Donald Rukare welcomed the donation, noting that the Tooke products will support athletes throughout their Commonwealth Games preparations.
“This partnership not only strengthens our athletes’ preparation but also showcases the potential of Ugandan-made products in supporting high-performance sport,” said Dr. Rukare.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to connecting science, agriculture, innovation and sport while showcasing Ugandan-made nutritional products on the global stage.
Team Uganda, comprising 55 athletes from 10 sports federations, is continuing its training programme ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which begin on 23 July 2026.
