I used to run on busy streets, comments thrown from this and the other corner, I always thought they were bizarre, and never gave them any attention.

Today I run on empty streets, no one to cheer you on or throw a mean comment, I think to myself…..what happened to all these people, not that I enjoyed their jibes….but why is everywhere empty….oh Lord, give me back my life!

Never has crossing a road been so easy, its always been look left, then right then left then right again. So many impatient motorists…today as I run the road is abandoned except for ambulances and a few trucks ferrying food.

Its easy for me as a runner but I miss the hooting, I miss the speeding cars, the mean drivers….not that I support their impatience, but I truly miss the chaos ……..Oh Lord…give me back my life!

I see so many pedestrians, walking quietly with so much focus and seriousness. I can tell they are different from the usual Ugandans who move sluggishly, chatting away with so much laughter.

Am quickly reminded that these are traders heading to work since all cars were temporarily banned…..its a somber mood here…..oh Lord bring back the old Ugandan!!

Suddenly I see so many bicycles, this time round even young ladies are seriously riding. This is unusual! I think to myself especially here in Central Uganda where I hail from.

Am quickly reminded that we’ve been encouraged to substitute bicycles for cars. All posh cars are parked in people’s compounds and not essential anymore……………..I then regret why I only concentrated on driving skills and never cycling skills…………..Oh Lord, take me back in time!

I walk to the local market to buy some foodstuffs, am stopped to wash my hands at the entrance, how unusual, this level of hygiene is unheard of in Ugandan markets!! I was amazed.

As it clocks 5:30pm, suddenly a voice reverberates, warning us to be out of market by 6pm, all people begun to rush; I then remembered we have curfew. I had to run back to home, on foot or risk getting arrested by Police for defying Presidential orders…………..Oh Lord, this is tough, give me back my life!

As I rush back home, about 3 kms from the market, my legs are tired, I try singing but its difficult, I try meditating but the mind is busy, my thoughts run to my car that’s parked in my compound.

I then remember the good old days ‘before COVID 19’ when I would cruise my car anywhere I pleased without a care in the world. I always felt unstoppable, here I was, helplessly walking to and from the market, Its sad, I cried………Oh Lord, give me back my life.

Then comes Monday, my little baby falls ill in the night, I get the urge to rush her to hospital for quick attention. Am quickly reminded there’s curfew and no night movement allowed. I stay awake all night and then decide to defy ‘Presidential Directives’ by morning and drive her to hospital.

Alas!! Am not alone, it seems the sleepless night was for many of us. The hospital is full, doctors arrive late, possibly due to transport limitations. I spend over 5 hours in hospital. My baby’s temperature gets too high, doctors are busy, she gets restless, I cry for help, tears in my eyes…help seems far, so many hospitals but transport inhibiting many from seeking alternatives. Its terrible……………………Oh Lord, give me back my life!

The count down is still on, today we celebrate 11 days of lockdown, 3 more to go……….. I just cant wait for these to end. Oh Lord, I cry to you,

Give me back my life!!!