Launched through the UOC's Sport for all Commission, the campaign aims to raise levels of basic exercise, as well as sporting participation, with the aim of increasing general fitness and therefore reducing illnesses. 

The scheme began in the eastern town of Busia with a special fitness session for hundreds of people at the Nyangweso Olympafrica Sports Centre, led by Uganda Gymnastics Association President, Yudah Baruku.

A rugby event for schoolgirls has also taken place, as well as further sessions in boxing, cycling and running.

"Every day you hear that someone has died of diabetes, pressure and the like," said UOC Sports for All Commission chairman Hamza Kahwa.

"It's unfortunate because such diseases shouldn't be claiming lives in a poor country like Uganda.

"I believe things can change if all Ugandans learn to exercise and watch their eating habits."

The nationwide fitness programme should enable more Ugandans to follow in the footsteps of the nation's stars at last summer's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow ©AFP/Getty Images



The project has been funded by the International Olympic Committee, Kahwa added, with plans now in place to role out the project to northern, western and central parts of the country.

In a long term sense, the nation will also be looking to use the project to improve further upon recent successes.

At last summer's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, a 62-strong squad scooped five medals, their highest total in 40 years, including a thrilling 10,000 metres victory for defending champion Moses Kipsiro.

Two years earlier at London 2012, the nation also secured a historic gold medal when Stephen Kiprotich won the men's marathon, their first Olympic title since John Akii-Bua triumphed in the 400m hurdles at Munich 1972.

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