Football fraternity rallies to save ailing Buddu FC star

Buddu FC defender Martin Nsubuga, a pillar in their Masaza Cup triumph last season, is now fighting for his life in the ICU at Roswell Hospital on Yusuf Lule Road after being diagnosed with acute tetanus.

The 26-year-old popularly known as Nabutono, was found unresponsive on the morning of February 4, 2025, in his room at Mulimira zone, Kamwokya. His neck and chest were severely swollen, and while he was not breathing, his pulse was still detectable.

He was immediately rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where doctors conducted initial tests and administered first aid.

According to his mother, Joyce Kabaliisa, also a resident of Mulimira zone, Nsubuga sustained the injury on January 29, this year, while training with friends on a murram pitch in Kamwokya.

While retrieving a ball that had gone beyond the fence, he accidentally stepped on a rusty nail, which pierced through his boot and into his foot. Initially dismissing the wound as minor, he treated it himself with warm water, salt, and local herbs.

However, on February 4, his condition took a turn for the worse. In the middle of the night, he collapsed from his bed and became unconscious.

“At that moment, we rushed him to Mulago. Doctors put him on oxygen, conducted a biopsy, and confirmed that he had an acute infectious disease caused by spores of the bacterium Clostridium tetani, commonly known as tetanus, which had spread throughout his body,” Kabaliisa explained.

The following day (February 5), doctors at Mulago referred him to another hospital due to an increase in Ebola patients in their ICU, which posed an additional risk. He was then transferred to Roswell Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.

“Nsubuga is still unconscious and on oxygen support. What is worrying is the escalating medical bills, which amount to sh2 million per day. We appeal to Buganda Kingdom, FUFA, and other well-wishers to come to our rescue and help save Nsubuga’s life,” pleaded Kabaliisa. (Credit: Gerald Kikulwe)

“Nsubuga is still unconscious and on oxygen support. What is worrying is the escalating medical bills, which amount to sh2 million per day. We appeal to Buganda Kingdom, FUFA, and other well-wishers to come to our rescue and help save Nsubuga’s life,” pleaded Kabaliisa.

Nsubuga was instrumental in Buddu’s Masaza Cup victory, helping them secure a 1-0 win over Kyaggwe in last season’s final at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Before joining Buddu, he played for Buweekula Ssaza in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, both times exiting in the quarter-finals after consecutive defeats to Bulemeezi.

Fundraising efforts underway

Over the weekend, fellow footballers from various clubs, led by Savio Kabugo (Gaddafi FC) and Derrick Ndahiro (Vipers SC), organised a friendly match at Kamwokya Pitch against local players to raise funds for Nsubuga’s medical expenses.

This Friday, Buddu will take on Buweekula Ssaza at Kasana playground in Nyendo, Masaka, with all proceeds going towards Nsubuga’s treatment.

Another fundraising match is scheduled for Sunday (February 16) at Kasenyi in Mubende, where former Buddu and Buweekula players will face off in support of their ailing teammate.