"RETURN TO TARDITIONAL FOODS" A MOVE TO CURB NUTRITIONAL DISEASES

Description

Older persons in Ankole have been urged to return to traditional foods as a way to prevent and curb common diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and weak bones. The call was made during the launch of the Banyankore Kweterana International Ankole Chapter held in Rushasha, Mbarara District on Friday 05th June 2026. As part of the launch, the organization handed over a house to an elderly beneficiary and also held a nutrition education session. Several nutrition experts from Mbarara and across the region participated, teaching elders how to balance local foods like matooke, millet, ghee, beans, and green vegetables for better health. Speaking at the event, one of the nutritionists said: “Ekyarire kya Banyankole nikyo dawa y’omukuru. Abakuru nibakwenda kugaruka aha biryo bya bukye baitu kurwanya endwara.” Meaning, Ankole food is medicine for elders, and they need to return to our traditional diet to fight sickness. Organizers say the Kweterana Chapter will continue mobilizing communities to prioritize food nutrition, especially for older persons who are most affected by lifestyle diseases.