In a game where glory often overshadows the struggles behind the scenes, FUFA has made a move that could redefine Ugandan football. Through a groundbreaking partnership with Case Clinic, the federation has unveiled a medical insurance scheme worth UGX 750 million for the 2025/26 season. This isn’t just another deal in the books, it is a declaration that player welfare is no longer negotiable. For the first time, the physical and mental well-being of 700 footballers across the Uganda Premier League and the FUFA Women Super League is being placed at the heart of the sport.
The initiative covers 400 men and 300 women, drawn from 28 clubs, each allowed to register 25 players under the scheme. For those accustomed to battling injuries with little support, the September 1 kickoff of this program feels less like paperwork and more like a lifeline. No longer will players carry the burden of hefty medical bills alone; instead, they will step onto the pitch knowing their health has a safety net, and their careers can withstand the knocks of the beautiful game.
But this scheme is about more than just numbers, it’s about stories. From Shadia Nankya, now shining in the United States with Dallas Trinity, to Ronald Ssekiganda, whose resilience in Rwanda is fueled by this kind of support, the benefits ripple far beyond local boundaries. For defender Anaphora Ayisere, whose career once hung in the balance after a brutal injury, this coverage represents hope in its purest form. These names transform the policy into a living, breathing promise, reminding Uganda that footballers are more than just jerseys on the field; they are people with dreams, vulnerabilities, and futures worth protecting.
What makes this initiative remarkable is its inclusivity. Women’s football, often sidelined in matters of investment, stands shoulder to shoulder with the men’s game in this scheme. Rising stars like Kawempe Muslim Ladies’ Shakirah Nyinagahirwa and She Corporate’s dynamic duo, Rhonah Nantege and Grace Nassonga, can now pursue their ambitions without the shadow of medical insecurity. In a sporting culture where female athletes are too often left behind, FUFA’s medical cover sends a powerful message: their health and their potential matter just as much.
This is more than an insurance scheme, it is the dawn of a cultural shift. FUFA and Case Clinic have reimagined what player welfare should look like in Uganda, setting a precedent that could inspire leagues across Africa. As Kampala’s football fields light up with training sessions and match-day roars, there’s a new, invisible shield around every player: the assurance that they are valued, protected, and supported. In a nation where football is more than a sport, this initiative cements one truth, Uganda’s game is strongest when its players are cared for, both on and off the pitch.
