The next Uganda Cranes jersey could be designed by an ordinary Ugandan after MTN Uganda and FUFA launched a nationwide competition aimed at putting the national team’s image in the hands of its supporters.
Through the newly unveiled “Free Your Fayaaa – Tulage Waaka” campaign, football fans, students, professional designers and creative groups have been given the chance to create the jersey that will represent Uganda on the continental stage in the coming years.
The initiative marks a shift from the traditional design process by allowing the public to directly influence one of the country’s most recognizable sporting symbols. For decades, the Uganda Cranes jersey has embodied national pride, unity and identity, making the competition more than just a creative exercise.
Launching the campaign, MTN Uganda Sponsorships and Events Manager John Paul Okwi said the project was designed to unlock the creativity of Ugandans while strengthening their connection with the national team.
“At MTN, we believe every Ugandan has a fire within them. Through our Free Your Fire platform, we continue to create opportunities for people to showcase their talents, ideas and ambitions. With Free Your Fayaaa – Tulage Waaka, we are inviting Ugandans to channel that creativity into something that will unite the nation,” Okwi said.
He added that the campaign is about giving Ugandans an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy on the national team.
“This is more than a jersey design challenge; it is an opportunity for Ugandans to leave their mark on the national team and create a symbol that reflects who we are as a people,” he noted.
FUFA Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson challenged Ugandans to seize the opportunity and turn their ideas into reality.
“Everything we see was once an idea,” Watson remarked, urging participants to use innovation and creativity to shape the future look of the Uganda Cranes.
FUFA First Vice President Justus Mugisha described the campaign as a unique bridge between the national team and its supporters, saying it gives fans a sense of ownership over the jersey they proudly wear.
“The campaign gives every fan a chance to add value and truly own the Uganda Cranes jersey they wear. To every Ugandan across the country, your creativity will carry our team onto the continent with pride during international competitions,” Mugisha said.
“The Uganda Cranes jersey carries the hopes, belief, pride and passion of millions. Together with MTN Uganda, let us design the next chapter of the Uganda Cranes jersey.”
The competition is open to all Ugandans, whether participating individually or as groups. Entries will be submitted through mtnmore.com, with submissions opening on June 22 and closing on July 9.
After the submission phase, judges will shortlist seven finalists who will attend a three-day boot camp from July 14 to 16. Working alongside experienced creatives and industry professionals, the finalists will refine their concepts before one design is selected to become the next official Uganda Cranes jersey.
The campaign will also reward participants with a prize pool exceeding UGX 50 million, shared among the winner and finalists.
The entire process, from concept development to the unveiling of the final jersey, will be documented as Uganda searches for a design that captures the spirit, ambition and identity of the nation.
