The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has attributed Uganda’s failure to progress beyond the group stage at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to, among other factors, a lack of inspiration within the national football setup, calling for wide-ranging cultural and structural reforms to revive the national team.
In a statement, Mayiga said that while technical and tactical shortcomings played a role, inspiration and identity remain critical missing elements in Uganda’s football journey.
He questioned the suitability of the national team’s identity, beginning with its name. According to Mayiga, the “Uganda Cranes” brand does not sufficiently project strength and competitiveness on the continental stage.
He suggested a more assertive name such as “The Spears,” which he said would symbolize courage and victory and better reflect the fighting spirit required in international football.
Mayiga also criticized the absence of clearly defined national team colors rooted in Uganda’s history and cultural origins.
He noted that many national teams are instantly recognizable by traditional colors that transcend sponsorship arrangements, while Uganda’s kit colors often appear influenced by corporate sponsors rather than national identity.
The Katikkiro further pointed to the lack of a unifying national team anthem that fans can sing collectively during matches.
Such an anthem, he said, could galvanise both players and supporters, foster unity, and create a more intimidating atmosphere for opponents.
Beyond symbolism, Mayiga addressed structural challenges in domestic football, arguing that government parastatals and agencies should not directly own football clubs.
He said teams run by institutions such as the UPDF, Police and Uganda Revenue Authority struggle to attract organic fan bases, limiting the growth and competitiveness of the Uganda Premier League.
“A league without a strong fan base cannot be competitive, and it cannot consistently produce a strong national team,” Mayiga said.
He added that government agencies would have greater impact by sponsoring community-based clubs with established followings.
He cited SC Villa, Vipers, Express and Wakiso Giants as examples of clubs that could benefit from institutional sponsorship while retaining their community identity.
Uganda exited AFCON 2025 at the group stage after finishing bottom of Group C with one point from three matches in Morocco.
The Cranes drew once and lost twice, scoring two goals and conceding seven. They lost 3–1 to Tunisia, failed to beat Tanzania, and were outclassed 3–1 by Nigeria despite a goal from Rogers Mato.