Team Uganda Receives Tooke Nutritional Boost Ahead of Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
By: Harriet O’cheng
Team Uganda has received a major boost in its preparations for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games following the official handover of Tooke nutritional products at the Uganda Olympic Committee/Commonwealth Games Uganda (UOC/CGU) offices.
The initiative, led by UOC/CGU Nutrition Ambassador and Director General of BIRDC, Professor Florence Muranga, marks the beginning of a strategic partnership to strengthen athlete performance through science-based nutrition derived from locally sourced Ugandan bananas. Speaking at the handover ceremony, UOC/CGU President Dr. Donald Rukare welcomed the partnership, describing nutrition as a fundamental pillar of sporting excellence alongside quality training, mental resilience and discipline.
“Sports is about training, preparation and mental strength, but it is also about being adequately strong and healthy. That is where nutrition comes into the picture,” Dr. Rukare said.
He thanked Professor Muranga and her team for supporting Team Uganda with locally developed nutritional products and expert guidance that will help athletes prepare for the Games. Dr. Rukare also paid tribute to the coaches and team managers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support Uganda’s athletes.
“Often, we celebrate the athletes, but we forget there are people behind these gallant men and women. Today, we also celebrate our coaches and managers because they are a vital part of every success story,” he noted.
As Team Uganda prepares to depart for Glasgow, Dr. Rukare challenged the athletes to represent Uganda with pride and uphold the values of discipline, integrity and excellence.
“That flag you wear on your chest represents an entire nation. Wear it with pride. You are not just going to participate; you are going there on a mission to give your best for Uganda.”
He further cautioned the athletes against competition manipulation, betting, and safeguarding violations, reminding them that they are ambassadors of Uganda both on and off the field of play.
Professor Muranga described the partnership as far more than a ceremonial handover, saying it marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to improving athlete nutrition through Ugandan science and innovation.
“This occasion is not merely a handover of nutritional products. It is the celebration of a partnership that seeks to transform athlete nutrition using science, innovation and Uganda’s own agricultural resources,” she said.
She explained that one of the biggest gaps in sports performance has been inadequate attention to nutrition and that the partnership seeks to address that challenge through evidence-based research.
“For many years, one of the missing links in sports performance has been deliberate attention to what our athletes eat, how they recover, and how locally developed nutrition can improve performance. Through this partnership, we are making nutrition practical, affordable, sustainable and proudly Ugandan.”
Professor Muranga revealed that athletes are participating in a nutrition survey that will help researchers develop personalised nutrition packages tailored to individual performance needs.
The Tooke nutritional package handed over to Team Uganda includes Power Cookies, Sportsman Biscuits, Tooke Milkshake, Tooke Infusions and Tooke Porridge Flour, all developed from Ugandan bananas to provide natural nutritional support for training, recovery and competition. She encouraged athletes to provide honest feedback on the products to help improve future formulations.
“Your feedback will help us refine these products so they can better support athletes in Uganda and eventually compete on the global market as proudly Ugandan innovations.”
Professor Muranga also highlighted the unique nutritional properties of bananas, describing them as more than just a staple food.
“The banana is not just food. It is science. It is industry. It is nutrition. It is heritage. Through Tooke, we are demonstrating that Uganda can develop world-class nutritional solutions from its own agricultural resources.”
As Team Uganda enters the final phase of preparations for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, both UOC/CGU and BIRDC reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring athletes receive the support they need to perform at their highest level.
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The partnership reflects a shared vision of connecting science, agriculture, innovation and sport while promoting homegrown nutritional solutions that can benefit not only Uganda’s elite athletes but also future generations.
The ceremony concluded with a call for Team Uganda to compete with courage, discipline and integrity as they carry the nation’s hopes to Glasgow.
“Go and make Uganda proud,” Professor Muranga told the athletes. “When the world sees you compete, they see Uganda.”
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