A well-fed and disciplined population would naturally produce more athletes – Museveni
“Families need to learn how to feed their children well. Matooke with salt is not enough. We must teach people about body-building foods, proteins and avoiding sickness from alcohol and promiscuity,” the President stated.
President Yoweri Museveni has urged Uganda’s celebrated athletes and sports fraternity to leverage their influence and partner with the Ministry of Health to promote nationwide public health education. This call to action was made during a luncheon held at State House, Entebbe, to honor the nation’s sporting heroes who have achieved international recognition in football, basketball, and rugby.
Addressing a meeting, which included First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, Museveni questioned, “Why can’t the sports fraternity partner with the Ministry of Health through the districts and go on radio every two weeks to talk about good nutrition, public health, and discipline?”
He emphasized the crucial role of proper nutrition and discipline in the development of healthy and successful individuals, particularly young people. “Families need to learn how to feed their children well. Matooke with salt is not enough. We must teach people about body-building foods, proteins and avoiding sickness from alcohol and promiscuity,” the President stated.
The luncheon served as a celebration of three national sports teams that have brought immense pride to Uganda through their outstanding achievements on the international stage. These teams include:
The Uganda U17 Men’s National Football Team (The Cubs): This team etched their name in Ugandan football history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2025. This monumental achievement marks the first time a Ugandan national football team has reached the World Cup stage in the Football Federation of Uganda’s (FUFA) 100-year history.
The Senior Women’s National Basketball Team (The Gazelles): The Gazelles secured a resounding victory in the FIBA AfroBasket 2025 Zone 5 Championships, held in Egypt. Their triumph earned them a coveted spot in the AfroBasket 2025 Women’s Championship, scheduled to take place in Côte d’Ivoire from July 26 to August 3, 2025.
The Uganda Lady Cranes 15’s, the Women’s National Rugby Team: The Lady Cranes shone brightly at the Rugby Africa Cup Division 1 tournament in Côte d’Ivoire. Their dominant performances against Tunisia, Zimbabwe, and the host nation earned them promotion to the prestigious Africa Performance Division, placing them among continental rugby giants like South Africa, Kenya, and Madagascar.
The President lauded the teams, attributing their success to the nation’s prevailing peace, stability, and the progress made in the education system. He expressed his delight at the achievements, offering his congratulations and blessings to the teams.
He further emphasized that a well-nourished and disciplined population is the bedrock for producing exceptional athletes. Highlighting Uganda’s untapped sports potential, President Museveni believes that the nation is only beginning to realize its true capabilities.
The President’s call to action underscores the importance of leveraging the popularity and influence of athletes to promote positive health practices and instill discipline among the youth.
By partnering with the Ministry of Health, these sporting heroes can play a pivotal role in shaping a healthier and more prosperous future for Uganda. The initiative promises to be a significant step towards maximizing the nation’s potential in sports and beyond.
