As the Uganda Women’s National Team, the Crested Cranes, prepared for their crucial Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Ethiopia, player safety took centre stage.
At the Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisasi, Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe, FUFA’s Head of Medical, delivered an important presentation on FIFA’s ‘Suspect and Protect’ concussion awareness campaign.
The campaign, launched in 2024 by FIFA in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to educate players, coaches and medical personnel about the dangers of concussion—a serious brain injury that requires immediate attention.
Dr. Ahimbisibwe emphasized that in a contact sport like football, every player is at risk, and understanding concussion symptoms is crucial for long-term well-being.
‘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 take up to 72 hours to appear,’ Dr. Ahimbisibwe explained.
FUFA’s commitment to this initiative ensures that all national teams, including the Crested Cranes, receive the necessary education and resources to identify and manage concussions effectively.
“We are glad that the campaign has given us a chance to learn more about how to manage concussion risks. Many times, we want to play and forget about our health in search of results,” noted Crested Cranes defender Jolly Kobusinge.
According to FIFA (inside.fifa.com), the ‘Suspect and Protect’ campaign 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. This global initiative seeks to ensure that football remains a safe and enjoyable sport for all participants.
By incorporating the ‘Suspect and Protect’ campaign into Uganda’s football ecosystem, FUFA aims to create a safer environment for players at all levels.
As the Crested Cranes prepared to take the field against Ethiopia, their knowledge of concussion risks and management was strengthened, ensuring that player health remains a top priority both on and off the pitch.
The campaign will now be taken to the two U17 National Junior teams of men and women currently in camp preparing for international engagements. The clubs have also been lined up to be taken through the concussion campaign.
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