Our Youth Protection Excellence

U-SAFE places youth protection at the heart of all our safeguarding efforts.

Uganda Rugby Union is developing one of Africa’s most comprehensive youth protection systems, establishing new standards that exceed World Rugby’s minimum requirements. As we build our programme, we refuse to compromise on quality or safety standards. Our evolving approach integrates international best practices from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the IOC Safeguarding Toolkit, aligning with the International Safeguards for Children in Sport framework. We are committed to ensuring that all under-18 players are respected, heard, and kept safe in every rugby environment across Uganda.

Whilst we recognise we are still on our journey to becoming Africa’s leading youth protection programme, we are amongst the continent’s most dedicated organisations in this vital area. Every step we take prioritises the highest standards of safeguarding, because our young players deserve nothing less than excellence from the very beginning.

  • Robust child protection policies in line with global best practices

  • Background checks and training for all staff and volunteers

  • Encouraging youth voice and feedback in all safeguarding practices

  • Creating age-appropriate, inclusive and welcoming spaces for participation

  • Regular safeguarding workshops for parents and guardians
  • Clear reporting mechanisms accessible to young players
  • Mental health support specifically tailored for youth athletes

Youth Protection Infrastructure

U-SAFE partners with clubs and schools to introduce age-specific training and mentoring. We require all adults working with children to be trained in child safeguarding.

Our youth protection strategy encompasses physical, emotional, and digital safety protocols tailored to the unique needs of developing athletes. We recognise that young participants aged 6-18 require specialised protection measures that evolve with their developmental milestones, ensuring age-appropriate safeguarding at every stage of their rugby journey.

Every youth programme operates under internationally recognised adult-to-child ratios, with mandatory specialised training in safeguarding for all personnel working with minors. Our developing infrastructure includes regular welfare monitoring, peer support networks, and comprehensive education programmes that teach young athletes about personal boundaries, consent, and their rights within sporting environments.

We are implementing sophisticated incident tracking systems and conduct regular comprehensive reviews of all youth protection measures. This continuous improvement approach ensures our standards remain current with evolving best practices and emerging safeguarding research. As we build this foundation, we are establishing ourselves amongst Africa’s most committed organisations in youth athlete protection, with aspirations to become the continental benchmark.

OUR SAFEGUARDING COMMITMENTS

Protecting every participant in rugby
Clear and simple incident reporting
Inclusive safeguarding for all genders
Empowering children to speak up
Zero tolerance for abuse and harassment.

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WHY SAFEGUARDING MATTERS

  • 👥 Abuse too often stays silent. In rugby, we’re breaking that silence.
  • 🔍 Prevention beats reaction — every time.
  • 🌱 Safe environments build tougher, stronger rugby players.
  • 📢 Awareness is the first step to accountability.

Submit a Safeguarding Concern

Whether you need to report misconduct, share a worry, or ask for help, our team is here for you.
Every report is confidential and handled according to Uganda Rugby Union’s safeguarding policy.