It was an evening of electrifying energy and profound purpose as the BRAFAI Rising Warriors MMA Charity Event transformed the heart of Kampala into a grand stage for resilience, unity, and hope – a much-needed beacon in the battle against Sickle Cell Anaemia.
Fighters from India, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Uganda didn’t merely compete; they wrote a powerful narrative of determination and solidarity, shedding light and creating awareness on Sickle Cell Anaemia, a scourge that’s claiming many lives and leaving others in the inevitable excruciating wait.
Under the dazzling lights, where every punch, kick, and grapple carried the weight of a deeper cause, the audience was treated to a spectacle that transcended sport. The event brought a diverse community together to confront one of Uganda’s silent battles—the widespread impact of Sickle Cell Anaemia.
Globally, Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is one of the most prevalent genetic blood disorders and is characterized by progressive organ damage coupled with episodes of acute illness. An estimated 312,000 infants are born with SCD each year, however, only 10% of all patients with SCD are in the developed world.
Sub-Saharan Africa contributes more than 75% of all SCD cases, which is expected to increase by 2050.
According to World Health Organisation, Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a major genetic disease in most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa with prevalence ranging between 1% and 2% in North Africa to less than 1% in Southern Africa while in countries such as Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda, the prevalence is between 20% and 30%; and in some parts of Uganda it is as high as 45%.
A Mission Beyond the Ring
Gracing the event was Dr. Charles Kiyaga, National Coordinator for Sickle Cell Anaemia under Uganda’s Ministry of Health. His presence underscored the evening’s purpose: to raise awareness and champion proactive measures against this life-threatening condition that continues to affect countless Ugandan families.
“This is not just about the fights inside the cage,” Dr. Kiyaga remarked. “It’s about the fights many families endure every day. BRAFAI has brought a vision of hope, and we’re proud to stand with them.”
The event’s success was bolstered by key sponsors, including Uganda Airlines, GBK Classic Milk, Ugachick, Masco D’Lionheart Training Camp, and the Ministry of Health – Uganda. Each partner’s contribution amplified the reach of this life-saving initiative, proving that synergy between purpose and partnership is a catalyst for transformative change.
Envisioning 2025: A Journey of Sports and Service
The night wasn’t just a celebration of triumphs in the ring. It also marked the beginning of a bold vision for 2025. BRAFAI Founder and Promoter, Wisdom Enoch Ronnin, outlined an ambitious roadmap to touch lives across Uganda with 14 strategically planned events, weaving together the power of sports, music, film, and tourism.
“Our mission is clear,” Ronnin shared passionately. “We aim to educate, inspire, and empower communities through the universal languages of sports and arts. Each event will offer free Sickle Cell trait testing, counseling, and blood donation drives. It’s more than a fight—it’s a movement.”
The Core Objectives of BRAFAI’s 2025 Vision
- Awareness: Educating couples about the Sickle Cell trait to encourage informed family planning decisions.
- Prevention: Promoting proactive testing to reduce the number of children born with Sickle Cell Anaemia.
- Management: Equipping families with resources and knowledge for better disease management, ultimately leading to brighter futures.
This multi-pronged strategy aims to create ripple effects of hope, ensuring healthier generations and stronger communities.
Moments That Inspire, Actions That Save Lives
Beyond the roar of the crowd and the flash of victory, there were quieter, poignant moments that defined the event’s impact. Testing tents filled with couples eager to learn their Sickle Cell status, while blood donation drives buzzed with volunteers eager to make a tangible difference. For every drop of sweat in the ring, there was a drop of blood donated outside—a powerful metaphor for shared responsibility and community resilience.
Each participant left with more than memories; they carried the seeds of change. Stories began to emerge—couples making informed choices, children gaining access to life-saving care, and communities rallying to become advocates for the cause.
Call for Changemakers
As the spotlight dims on 2024, BRAFAI’s rallying cry for 2025 resonates louder than ever. The initiative is seeking sponsors, supporters, and collaborators ready to join the fight for healthier communities and empowered youth. The upcoming events are not just scheduled activities; they’re opportunities to rewrite Uganda’s narrative in the fight against Sickle Cell Anaemia.
“This is a shared mission,” Ronnin declared. “Together, we can leave a legacy of hope, health, and humanity.”
A Symphony of Gratitude
BRAFAI extends heartfelt thanks to the fighters who poured their hearts into the ring, the fans who cheered with unwavering passion, and the partners who turned vision into reality. To every individual who contributed—whether by donating blood, undergoing testing, or simply standing in solidarity—you are the lifeblood of this movement.
The Road Ahead
As Uganda embarks on this transformative journey, the message is clear: the fight against Sickle Cell Anaemia demands collective action. With BRAFAI leading the charge, supported by a coalition of warriors, advocates, and dreamers, the future looks brighter.
For more information on how to support BRAFAI or participate in upcoming events, please contact:
Phone: +256 789 921 850
Email: brafai777@gmail.com
Let us rise together—for health, for hope, for humanity.