Fitness campaign excites Jinja

Jinja.

The call on Ugandans to make exercising a routine was well answered by Jinja town residents on Saturday as hundreds abandoned their businesses for a morning workout.

Held at Jinja Secondary School, the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) Fitness Week campaign, started off with a 5km road run, which briefly halted business in the town. It was, however, the aerobics session led by fitness trainer Fharuk Baluku and a taekwondo demonstration that got the spectators to their feet.

National coach Yayiro Kasasa also conducted tag rugby lessons running side by side with volleyball and soccer exhibition matches. “This is very exciting. I pray you bring it here again. If you do, I promise, we shall foot part of the bill,” Diana Nyago, the Jinja SS head teacher, who took part in the run, told organisers, the UOC Sports for All Commission.

Uganda Police, partners with UOC in the project, had the biggest contingent led by Godfrey Matte, the Kiira regional police commander. “Policing requires us to be fit,” said assistant commissioner of police Matte. “IGP Kale Kayihura passed an order for all of us to be fit so this is routine. More importantly, though, I love this project because it brings us close to the community. It has improved community policing,” sweating profusely, Matte added.

UOC president William Blick emphasized the need to sensitise Ugandans about the benefits of regular exercising. “Some people think exercising is a waste of time. That’s why we are doing this kind of awareness. People should know that through exercising, they can keep away some diseases and live longer,” noted Blick.

Helena Namutamba, the tourism minister in Busoga Kingdom, officiated at the opening ceremony and called on Basoga to exploit their talents. “I know sports and tourism go hand in hand. By bringing such an event here, you are contributing towards the tourism sector,” she said.

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