Ugandan athletes are stepping up to address mental health challenges in the sports industry, with basketball star Tonny Drileba among the latest to speak out on the pressures of competing at an elite level.
Drileba, recently signed by the Namblazers basketball team, has joined the “Sports for Mental Wellbeing” campaign, emphasizing the need for young athletes to focus on personal growth rather than the pressures of winning and losing.
“At a younger stage, the goal should be to get better, but if young players succumb to the pressures of winning and losing, we might lose many players with great potential. So coaches have to instill in them that regardless of the results, personal development is THE GOAL,” Drileba said.
He also highlighted the lack of mental health specialists catering specifically to athletes, saying, “I don’t know how many mental health specialists we have in the sports fraternity because sometimes when you look at your struggles as an athlete, it’s just hard going to a regular psychiatrist.”
The “Sports for Mental Wellbeing” initiative, backed by sponsors such as X Spaces, Metroplex Fresh, and KISS LTD, aims to destigmatize mental health issues and provide support for athletes facing emotional and psychological challenges.
Joshua Letti Lubwama, a URA FC player, echoed Drileba’s concerns, proposing that clubs take an active role in addressing mental health.
“I think we can start with club captains and senior players. Let’s create a mental health awareness program for them to attend— with their experience, it will be easier for them to pass on this knowledge to younger players,” Lubwama suggested.
He also acknowledged the stigma surrounding mental health in sports, particularly the impact of cyberbullying.
“As players, it’s hard to open up, especially with the cyberbullying all over social media. It’s only when things get to the worst that players eventually open up about their mental health struggles.”
Experts note that elite athletes face unique pressures, including performance expectations, injuries, and the challenge of maintaining a personal life under public scrutiny.
Initiatives like “Sports for Mental Wellbeing” are seen as crucial in fostering a culture of openness and support within Uganda’s sports community.
