IGP launches weekly marathons in Masindi

The Inspector General of Police, Gen. Kale Kayihura, on Sunday launched weekly marathons in Masindi and ordered the District Police Commander, Bosco Bakashaba, and all other DPCs in the Albertine Region to carry out the same.

Participants of the marathon included Police officers from all the seven districts of Bunyoro, crime preventers, political leaders, students and corporates in the 10km run.

While addressing participants at Kabalega Secondary School, the converging centre, the IGP said that the marathon is aimed at bonding with the community as one way of instilling fitness in them.

He however said in the future, body physicals such as Taekwondo will be introduced to instil self-defence skills amongst the community.

"Acquiring self-defence skills such as Taekwondo will help the community to have defence skills. The majority of the people are good and law abiding. We must identify the criminals and isolate them. Acquiring the defence skills will help people learn how to fight against such criminals" Kayihura said.

He said the marathon will be for physical fitness and creating rapport with the community. He however said that in future, a cause would be identified and perhaps get sponsors for the activity.

Edward Karwima, the deputy head teacher, Kabalega Secondary School, called on government to take up sponsoring talented students.

He said that Kabalega is already offering bursary schemes to athletes and footballers.

In response, Kayihura said that in the future, the marathon will be used as a way of identifying potential talented young people whom the government will support.