Museveni Bans Outdoor Physical Exercises
Jogging or any form of physical activity intended to improve body fitness and wellness became the latest addition on President Yoweri Museveni’s growing list of banned activities as the country struggles to flatten the COVID-19 infection curve.
In a televised speech from the Nakasero State House in Kampala, Museveni said outdoor exercising is not only endangering to those involved but the whole country.
The ban comes days after a video circulated on social media showing a large group of people that had taken over a section of the Kampala Northern Bypass road to exercise.
Police spokesman, Fred Enanga on Sunday issued a warning to the group, and another that he said had taken over the parking lot at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, near Kampala, which he threatened with police action.
Indeed, the police on Sunday evening dispersed the Namboole group and also arrested some people from the Northern Bypass.
“If you want to exercise you can do it in your house like I normally do. I come back late sometimes past 11 pm when Maama Janet has already slept but I run in one room. There should be no exercise in public; exercise in your compound, exercise in your room,” Museveni said.
Meanwhile, Museveni has also limited to eight hours the time for which Boda Bodas (commercial motorcycles) are allowed to move in a day.
“Bodaboda’s should stop at 2 pm if you have been delivering parcels from 7 am by 2 pm you are done; stop there, we don’t want to see Boda Bodas on the road after 2 pm,” Museveni said.
The president also warned pick-up and double cabin drivers against moving without cargo.
Museveni acted upon a brief from the Inspector General of Police, Martin Okoth Ochola whom he asked to enter the national camera command centre to observe what is on the roads. Ochola reported back that there was a lot of double cabins and pickup moving around without carrying anything.
“They think as long as you are driving a pickup and double cabin are free to move. If you’re not carrying cargo, you should not be allowed to move,” Museveni said.
He also warned the cargo vehicle drivers to stop carrying people saying those caught will be charged with “attempted murder”.
