Nelson Mandela Stadium, Namboole – 8 July 2025.

In a proud and historic moment for Ugandan sport, the Uganda Rugby Union (URU) officially launched its national safeguarding programme, U-SAFE, during the Rugby Africa Cup 2025, which also served as a Rugby World Cup Qualifier.

This significant occasion marked the beginning of a strong and determined journey to create a culture where safety, respect, and protection are at the core of rugby in Uganda.

The event, hosted at the newly revamped Nelson Mandela National Stadium, was vibrant with energy and purpose. With fans, players, officials, and international guests present, the message was loud and clear: “If it’s not safe, it’s not rugby.”

What is U-SAFE?

U-SAFE, the Uganda Safeguarding in Rugby Programme, is a pioneering initiative by the Uganda Rugby Union designed to ensure that all people involved in rugby are protected, respected, and empowered. The programme is grounded in the Safeguarding Guidelines provided by World Rugby and inspired by the International Safeguards for Children in Sport framework. It also follows the Safeguarding Adults in Sport standards and reflects best practices endorsed by Rugby Africa and the Open University.

The main goals of U-SAFE are to:
• Raise awareness and educate players, coaches, officials, and communities about safeguarding
• Prevent harm before it happens through proactive policies and safe structures
• Create easy and confidential ways to report concerns and incidents
• Respond quickly and appropriately to any issue raised, prioritising the safety and dignity of all involved.

U-SAFE is not just a project or campaign. It is a deep-rooted commitment to changing rugby culture in Uganda by making safety a shared responsibility across all levels, from schools and local clubs to national competitions and elite teams.

Global Guidance, Local Leadership

Uganda is proud to be among the first countries in Africa to fully adopt the World Rugby Safeguarding Guidelines and take tangible steps towards their implementation. The U-SAFE initiative has received support and inspiration from several key partners, including World Rugby, Rugby Africa, the International Safeguards for Children in Sport, the National Council of Sports, and the Uganda Olympic Committee.

Already, several members of the URU safeguarding and tournament teams have completed or are enrolled in World Rugby-approved safeguarding courses such as ‘Safeguarding in Sport Practice’ and ‘Effective Safeguarding’, developed in partnership with the Open University. These courses have provided essential skills in identifying risk, managing concerns, and building safe sporting environments.

The leadership of Uganda Rugby is determined to build a model programme that other federations can look to as an example of excellence in safeguarding.

A Powerful Moment of Commitment

One of the most symbolic and emotional moments of the launch was the public signing of the World Rugby Safeguarding Pledge. Executives, players, match officials, and international rugby guests lined up to add their names and photos to the pledge board. This visible act of commitment demonstrates that safeguarding is not just policy; it is a personal and collective promise.

Dorothy Nekesa, an executive member of the Uganda Rugby Union and Safeguarding Lead for U-SAFE, spoke passionately:

“We have signed the pledge with World Rugby and other key Safeguarding Organisations like the International Safeguards for Children in Sport to build a safe space for everyone in our rugby family. We are deeply thankful for the collaboration, support, and guidance we have received. Safeguarding is now a part of our identity. It will be present in every game, every tournament, and every interaction, starting immediately with the National Rugby 7s.”

Why Safeguarding Matters in Sport

Safeguarding means protecting people from harm, abuse, and neglect, and creating an environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and respected. In sport, especially a contact sport like rugby, this becomes even more crucial.

When we talk about safeguarding, we are talking about more than just rules. We are talking about:
• Preventing abuse and misconduct
• Making sport safe for girls, boys, and vulnerable adults
• Creating inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive without fear

Effective safeguarding leads to stronger participation, healthier teams, and a more ethical sport. It builds trust between players, coaches, families, and communities. And most importantly, it ensures that sport remains a positive force in people’s lives.

What Comes Next

The launch of U-SAFE is only the beginning. In the coming months, Uganda Rugby Union will:
• Introduce safeguarding policies and trained focal point personnel at all competitions
• Make safeguarding a permanent part of match day operations
• Roll out awareness campaigns using social media, posters, and videos
• Launch child-friendly reporting tools and whistleblower mechanisms
• Offer training to club officials, referees, coaches, and volunteers nationwide
• Establish partnerships with local and international organisations that support child protection and athlete welfare

For more information about U-SAFE, including key policies, contact details, and reporting tools, please visit www.safeguardrugby.org.

A Regional Model in the Making

With this launch, Uganda sets itself apart as one of the few countries in Africa to take concrete, structured, and informed action in implementing safeguarding in rugby. The presence of World Rugby representatives, Rugby Africa officials, and local partners at the launch highlights the regional significance of this initiative.

Dozens of photos were taken of key stakeholders, athletes, and partners proudly signing the pledge, a moment that captured the unity and seriousness of the safeguarding movement in Uganda.

As the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 continues with thrilling action on the pitch, Uganda’s efforts off the pitch may be just as impactful. By making safeguarding a permanent part of its rugby identity, Uganda is setting a standard for others to follow.

Together, we are building a game that is safer, stronger, and more inclusive than ever before.

#PlaySafeStaySafe | #USAFE | #SafeguardRugby | #RugbyAfricaCup2025 | #IfItsNotSafeItsNotRugby