By Norbert Mao
Gulu City on Friday hosted the National Day of Physical Activity 2026, with hundreds of residents participating in a 10-kilometre walk, run and cycling challenge at Kaunda Grounds.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Health, in partnership with Gulu City Council was flagged off by the Minister of State for Health in charge of General Duties, Anifa Kawooya.
Held under the theme “Get Active, Stay Healthy: Physical Activity for Healthy Wellbeing,” the event brought together government officials, health workers, students, security agencies, development partners and members of the public.
While flagging off the exercise Minister Kawooya has urged Ugandans to make physical activity part of their daily routine to prevent non-communicable diseases.
The Minister encouraged Ugandans to dedicate at least 30 minutes every day to physical activity, saying regular exercise can reduce the risk of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
Participants at Kaunda Grounds also accessed free health services, including blood pressure and diabetes screening, cancer screening, HIV testing and counselling, nutrition counselling, BMI assessments and health education.
The campaign is part of the Ministry of Health’s nationwide efforts to promote active lifestyles, routine health screening and early detection of diseases.