I'm in perfect health - Museveni

By Moses Walubiri & Moses Mulondo

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has downplayed concerns about his health, telling members of the NRM National Executive Committee (NEC) to "ignore" sensational reports by a local tabloid about the gravity of the injury to his right hand.

"Ignore Red Pepper reports that I am soon dying," Museveni, tongue-in-cheek told NEC members on Saturday.

Museveni was clarifying why, contrary to cultural norms, he is currently shaking hands with his left, instead of the right arm.

Museveni attributed the swelling of his left hand to an incident where he delayed to remove his hand as one of the doors to his official cars was being slammed.

In a number of different foras, Museveni has always emphasized the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle which includes exercising regularly.

During a recent interface with young people, Museveni said that he feels like a 35-year-old man, his advanced age notwithstanding.

"Health belongs to the struggle and this is the time to struggle for our children. We should carefully monitor our health through regular checkups. Sometimes this is ignored and we end up with these losses," Museveni said in reference to fallen minister of internal affairs, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima.