Local soccer body, FUFA, intend to keep expanding their medical insurance program to cover more competitions in the country.
A total of 600 players were covered under the FUFA Medical Insurance Scheme in the 2022/23 football season.
Currently, the StarTimes Uganda Premier League takes the lion’s share of the program, with all clubs registering 25 players per club.
At the normal 16 top flight clubs, the total number of players covered under this medical insurance cover is 400.
The FUFA Women Super League was also added, with each of the 10 clubs registering 20 players per club for a total of 200.
In an interview published on the local FA website this week, the FUFA Deputy CEO-Services, Humphrey Mandu, explained the idea.
“We managed to come up with a concept given the guidance by the FUFA EXCO and secured three service providers under Medical Insurance,” he said.
“Basically, the issue was about the plight of players especially in the elite league because they form the core of the national teams.”
That meant that “having a healthy league player,” translated into having “a healthy player for the national team.”
Mandu added that the federation, with time, plans to spread the medical cover “to more other leagues.”
Below club beneficiaries give their testimonies on the medical cover.
Harold Atukwatse – Soltilo Bright Stars FC official
“We had two players last year who underwent surgeries, they were on the sidelines for about six or seven months. Previously, we used to have players who would be forced to play on with injuries and that would affect their performance in the end. However, this has changed with the arrival of the FUFA Medical Insurance Scheme. When a player sustains an injury, you just notify the federation and he is attended to and we are really grateful.’
Anisha Muhoozi – KCCA FC CEO
‘It is very good if players are able to access the basic needs such as medication because this gives guarantee to their careers. Earlier on, many were forced to abandon their careers because either clubs or individually would not be able to foot the bills that come along with the recovery process.‘
Players who have directly benefited from the FUFA Insurance cover share their story as well and appreciate the Federation.
Grace Nassongo – She Corporate FC forward
‘It was a hard moment for me and it only took the strong mentality that I have. But I’m grateful for the support I got from my friends, family and teammates and above all FUFA who extended the support through medication. When you go through such a period and you have a shoulder to lean on, it becomes easy, so special appreciation to FUFA’
Rhonah Nantege – She Corporate FC forward
Being down and not being able to help my team was a bad experience but I am happy that finally, I can kick the ball again and slowly get back. I want to thank FUFA because of this programme because today it’s me, tomorrow it will be another player from some other team. When you consider the bills, it is difficult for a player or club to incur but we are able to get such medication for free.
Josephat Ayebare -Ndejje University FC defender
I sustained an injury when we played a FUFA Drum game between my team Kigezi against Buganda in Nakisunga. I was treated very well at St. Catherine, underwent a surgery and went through the recovery process. The entire process cost about eleven million shillings. Personally, I would not be able to raise such money but I’m thankful to FUFA that all the bills were covered and I’m back playing football.
Shadia Nankya – UCU Lady Cardinals defender
I had never sustained a serious injury and it really got me thinking about what I would do incase I cannot play football anymore. But the doctors took me through the whole process, my family was behind me and the operation was successful. The rehabilitation process was challenging but I kept the belief and after almost seven months, I was able to play again. I cannot express my gratitude to FUFA in words but deep down my heart, I am thankful that FUFA offered me support during a tough period.