Category: Campaign

In a continued effort to prioritise player welfare, FUFA has extended its concussion awareness campaign to the U17 Women’s National Team, following a successful session with the senior women’s team, the Crested Cranes.

The initiative, spearheaded by FUFA’s Head of Medical, Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe, is not just about education but also about transforming the culture of safety in Ugandan football.

Concussion management in football has long been a critical issue, yet many players and stakeholders remain unaware of the risks and proper response measures.

FUFA’s campaign, aligned with global standards set by WHO and FIFA, aims to change that narrative.
Dr. Ahimbisibwe emphasised that the initiative is being well received by the players, who now recognise the importance of identifying and responding to concussions effectively.

‘They are happy to learn so many new things that make the game safer for players. It is not just about the individual but ensuring that everyone involved in football can see, suspect and protect those affected by concussion, Dr. Apollo explained.

While the campaign has made significant strides with national teams, FUFA is setting its sights on a broader impact. Plans are underway to introduce concussion training to Uganda’s domestic leagues, including the Super League and the Big League, ensuring that players across all levels benefit from increased awareness and safety measures. FUFA will also take the campaign to the non-elite players involved in mass football competitions.

Dr. Ahimbisibwe is confident that as more players, coaches and officials receive training, the level of awareness will significantly improve.

‘Our goal is to reach not just the players and coaches but also fans and parents. Concussions don’t always present immediate symptoms – some signs may appear 72 hours later, meaning those around the player must also be able to identify potential dangers,’ stated Dr.Apollo.

This approach reaffirms the FUFA’s commitment to long-term player welfare. This campaign is more than just a training exercise; it is a shift towards embedding safety consciousness.

By ensuring that all stakeholders – from grassroots to elite football – understand the risks and management of concussions, FUFA is not only protecting the current generation of players but also setting a strong foundation for the future.

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Twenty primary schools in Bukedea District participated in the FIFA Women’s Football Campaign hosted at the Bukedea Comprehensive Academy Stadium from the 28th February 2025 to 1st March 2025.

While officiating the closing ceremony, the FUFA CEO Edgar Watson appreciated the parents for allowing the young girls to participate in the programme.

“I appreciate the parents for allowing young girls to participate in football,” he said.

“To the girls, as FUFA we have hope in you that you will be able to represent us in the world, he added.

The Campaign was introduced by FIFA to its Member Associations to promote the game, create awareness and empower girls through football in a friendly and safe environment.

The ambassador Shadia Nankya, a Crested Cranes player currently at Washington Spirit, motivated the attendees while she participated in the football Festival.

“I see the new generations trying to make things work as they grow up. By the time they reach my age, they will be the best,” she said

“While I was growing up, we didn’t have this,” she added.

The closing ceremony was also attended by the FUFA Executive Committee Members Richard Ochom and Agnes Mugena, Chairperson of Women’s Football Association Margaret Kubingi.

The participating schools received balls

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The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) is pleased to support FIFA and the World Health Organization (WHO) in launching Suspect and Protect: No Match is Worth the Risk, a campaign designed to raise awareness of concussion – a brain injury which should always be taken seriously.

Football continues to be a popular sport in Uganda but is a contact sport, and therefore concussion is a risk to every player on the pitch while FUFA is proud to see approximately 150,000 people participating in football at all levels in Uganda, being aware of concussion can help to make it even more enjoyable.

Suspect and Protect aims to raise awareness of the fact concussion is a brain injury and is a risk to every player on the pitch. It is designed to increase sign and symptom recognition, highlight that symptoms may take up to 72 hours to appear, and offer guidance on how to return to play safely following a suspected or confirmed concussion.

Clubs and teams at all levels throughout Uganda will be sent campaign materials to spread the message, including promotion on social media and display in training centres and sports facilities. Uganda national teams will also be given educational resources, for the benefit of everyone involved with our national teams.

‘Football ought to be a sport that is safe and secure for all players. The concussion campaign is a step in the right direction of ensuring the safety of all players. Everyone in the sport needs to notice the signs of concussion which can delay for up to three days. We are pleased to partner with FIFA and WHO in sharing vital education around concussion, and hope it helps to raise awareness throughout our football ecosystem. We would like to thank all clubs and leagues who will help to share the message throughout the country’

Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe, Head of Medical – Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA)