Why aren't you wearing a mask?

With a quick trip around Kampala, it is easy to notice that some people are not adhering to the presidential directive

During the numerous addresses on the COVID-19 pandemic, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has always emphasised the need for every Ugandan to wear a face mask in a bid to stop or contain the spread of the deadly diseases which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide.

However, with a quick trip around Kampala, it is easy to notice that some people are not adhering to the directive for some reason.

New Vision caught up with some of them to find out why they are defying the presidential directive.

Beza Tariku cant breathe. Photos by Shamim Saad

Beza Tariku, Circuit Lounge manager

I am not wearing a face mask simply because I can't breathe well when it is on.

Hamidah Nakiswa is woried about her pre-existing condition.

Hamidah Nakiswa, Student

I do not wear a face mask because I am asthmatic. A face mask will make my health condition worse.

Pamela Angee, Housewife

I am not wearing a face mask because it can affect me with more diseases. I don't trust it.

For Samuel Opwonya, its all about comfort.

Samuel Opwonya, Electrician

I am not wearing a facemask because it makes me sweat a lot hence making my beards to itch a lot something that makes me really uncomfortable.

Does the Coronavirus exist? Noah Muhammad is on the fence.

Noah Muhammad, Nail Technician

I am not wearing a facemask because I am doubtful of the existence of Coronavirus. The virus isn't real.

For Anisha Twaha, it depends on where she is.

Anisha Twaha, Student

I am not wearing a facemask because it is not advisable to have it on all the time besides that, for me to wear it, it depends on the environment.

Ruth Karani, Mobile Money Agent

I do not feel at ease when I am wearing a facemask. I find difficulty in speaking.

George Ochero, Carpenter

I cannot afford it. If I am struggling to feed my family where will I get the money to waste on buying a facemask?

James Oroma, Businessman

I am not wearing a facemask because the virus is not that scary and bad. The few people that were affected were treated and recovered.

Ofusa Doka

I have pressure so wearing a facemask makes my health condition worsen.

Hawah Abdallah has theories about masks.

Hawah Abdallah, Hairdresser

A mask can spark off various medical problems reason I do not often put it on.

For Adam Juma, there are too many hours in a day.

Adam Juma, Driver

Wearing a facemask in this heat is like a punishment to me. I can't imagine myself with a facemask from dawn to dusk.