BY JUMA KRUZ
While Uganda Cranes are preparing for the forthcoming African Nations Championship in Algeria which is to start on 13th Jan 2023 ,players on Saturday were taught and warned about the use of drugs by officials
It is always the responsibility of FUFA to organize Anti dropping Sessions for National teams before being involved in any competitions ,FIFA which is the World ruling body of football has always been tough on use of drugs to an extent that any player found using drugs is suspended from football for a certain period of time
The officials behind teaching players on Saturday were Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe who is also a FUFA Executive Committee Member , Christopher Edward Mboowa and Patricia Tendo Nanteza, The Sessions had topics ranging from anti – doping code, prohibited list of substance and methods , Therapeutic use Exemptions, dangers and consequences of doping , the doping control process and rights plus responsibilities of athelete among others
Dr Apollo cautioned players to always be transparent in whatever they do to avoid any concerns “You could be having an health problem but before using any drug, please make consultations and get advise from the team doctors to avoid future challenges. You may not necessarily use a certain drug to enhance performance but it could contain substance that are banned by WADA” he stated
” Doping tests are done randomly and players should not desist when called upon” Mboowa reveals ” The doping tests are done randomly . Do u remember after the game against Rwanda in Kitende ,Fahad Bayo was picked up and taken to have a test. you are going to CHAN but when they select you, please do not desist because that would call for sanctions” he concluded
The last official was Nanteza who is a therapist and life skills coach ,She advised players to be displine and stop use of drugs “You are lucky to be part of this set up. How many players are not here that would have loved? You should thank God that your talent has elevated you to this level and when you go out to compete, give in your best .do not take drugs to enhance your performances because they affect your body” she said
Uganda will participate in the African Nations Championship CHAN in Algeria which will start on 13 January 2023 .Uganda lies in Group B with neighbors DR Congo,Ivory Coast and Senegal.
