Football is the most popular sport in the world and part of daily life for millions of men, women, boys and girls.
The beautiful game creates unique experiences, promotes the values of respect, fairness, fun, inclusion and team building.
However, the game has increasingly been exposed to risks of abuse, with consequences that can last a lifetime.
It is upon this background that FIFA is coming up with proactive action to protect people from harm or abuse through appropriate prevention and response measures and promoting their wellbeing.
Training sessions have been held where CAF and 23 Safeguarding officers from a number of African Member Associations including Uganda attended the successful first edition of the FIFA Safeguarding Summit held between 25th-30th October 2023 at the FIFA Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. All 23 of CAF’s Member Associations’ Safeguarding Officers graduated from the FIFA Safeguarding Sport Diploma – a 24-month programme designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge of safeguarding in football.
Equally FUFA, the football governing body in Uganda shares similar sentiments and doing everything possible to identify and address risks in order to prevent any kind of harm or abuse from happening such as physical, sexual, emotional abuse, neglect, trafficking and exploitation. The programme will be supported by FIFA and CAF for its Member Associations.
The Federation has called clubs both in the FUFA Women Super League and FUFA Women Elite League to nominate Safeguarding Officers.
The nominated individuals will be responsible for ensuring that female footballers have a safe environment to live and play football.
The roles of Safeguarding Officers will be;
1- To implement Safeguarding policies and procedures.
2- To report any concerns or incidents.
3- To provide support and guidance to players, staff and officials.
4- To collaborate with FUFA in making sure there is compliance.
Each club is required to nominate a suitable candidate and provide their information to FUFA on safeguarding@fufa.co.ug by Friday, 19th July 2024 (deadline).
The nominees will be trained by FIFA certified Safeguarding trainers Sarah Birungi and Phiona Nsubuga Namutebi.
