This archive report was first published on 6 August 2020.
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has been making headlines for his unique approach to fitness. In a recent Instagram post, he shared a video of himself doing 40 push-ups at home, a routine he has dubbed the #Musevenipushcoronaawaychallenge.
According to the president, he challenged his family members to an indoor workout, and they managed to do four push-ups together. He emphasized the importance of staying fit and healthy, even during the corona pandemic, and encouraged his followers to do the same.
President Museveni has been known to use unconventional methods to connect with his people. In 2006, he even taunted his opponent, John Ssebaana Kizito, saying he couldn't manage a stanza to beat him. More recently, he surprised his supporters by releasing a rap song, 'Another Rap', which was seen as a bid to win the youth vote.
While some have criticized the president's actions as a PR stunt, others see it as a genuine attempt to engage with his people. As one Ugandan journalist noted, 'In the past presidential elections, his closest opponents have been known to have hoarse voices. His closest rival Kizza Besigye has a hoarse, natural voice. So, he could challenge him to a singing competition.'
