As Uganda’s Women’s National Football Team, the Crested Cranes, geared up for their crucial Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Ethiopia, player safety took center stage with the introduction of FIFA’s concussion awareness campaign.
At a session held at the Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisasi, Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe, FUFA’s Head of Medical, educated players and staff on FIFA’s ‘Suspect and Protect’ initiative.
The campaign, launched in 2024 in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), seeks to raise awareness about the risks of concussion in football and equip players, coaches, and medical teams with the knowledge to recognize and respond to head injuries effectively.
Dr. Ahimbisibwe stressed the importance of understanding concussion symptoms, which may take up to 72 hours to manifest. “Football ought to be a sport that is safe and secure for all players. The concussion campaign is a step in the right direction to ensure the safety of everyone involved,” he stated.
FUFA’s commitment to the initiative extends beyond the Crested Cranes, as the campaign will also be introduced to Uganda’s U-17 men’s and women’s national teams, who are currently in camp preparing for international competitions.
Additionally, FUFA plans to roll out the program across club football, ensuring wider adoption of concussion awareness protocols.
Crested Cranes defender Jolly Kobusinge welcomed the campaign, acknowledging that players often prioritize performance over health. “We are glad that this initiative has given us a chance to learn more about how to manage concussion risks. Many times, we focus on playing and forget about our well-being in the pursuit of results,” she said.
FIFA’s ‘Suspect and Protect’ campaign aims to standardize concussion management in football worldwide. It encourages recognizing symptoms early, ensuring players receive proper medical attention, and providing clear guidelines for a safe return to play.
By embracing this initiative, FUFA is reinforcing its commitment to player welfare and fostering a safer football environment in Uganda.
