KAMPALA — MTN Uganda, in partnership with the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), has unveiled the “Free Your Fayaaa – Tulage Waaka” campaign, a nationwide initiative that will give Ugandans the unique opportunity to help design the next official Uganda Cranes jersey.
The campaign, launched under MTN Uganda’s broader “Free Your Fire” platform, seeks to turn football supporters from spectators into creators by inviting them to contribute ideas and designs that will shape one of the country’s most cherished symbols of national identity.
For decades, the Uganda Cranes jersey has represented far more than a football kit. It has embodied the hopes, pride and aspirations of millions of Ugandans, serving as a powerful symbol of unity and belonging both at home and on the international stage.
Now, for the first time, fans, designers and creatives from across the country will have a direct hand in determining what the national team wears during future continental competitions.
Speaking at the launch, John Paul Okwi, MTN Uganda’s Manager for Sponsorships and Events, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to providing platforms that allow Ugandans to showcase their creativity and talent.
“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,” Okwi said.
“With Free Your Fayaaa – Tulage Waaka, we are inviting Ugandans to channel that creativity into something that will unite the nation. 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.”
FUFA Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson encouraged Ugandans to seize the opportunity and contribute to the future identity of the Uganda Cranes through innovation and creative thinking.
“Everything we see was once an idea,” Watson said, emphasising the transformative power of creativity.
FUFA First Vice President Justus Mugisha described the campaign as an important step in deepening the relationship between the national team and its supporters.
“The campaign gives every fan a chance to add value and truly own the Uganda Cranes jersey they wear,” Mugisha said.
“To every Ugandan across the country, your creativity will carry our team onto the continent with pride during international competitions. 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, including professional designers, students, creative groups and football enthusiasts with original ideas. Participants may submit entries individually or as teams through mtnmore.com.
Submissions will officially open on June 22, 2026, and close on July 9, 2026.
Following the submission period, a panel of judges will select the top seven designs, whose creators will advance to a three-day boot camp scheduled for July 14–16, 2026. During the boot camp, finalists will work alongside experienced creatives and industry professionals to refine and develop their concepts.
The entire process—from idea generation to final production—will be documented, culminating in the unveiling of the new official Uganda Cranes jersey.
To further incentivise participation, MTN Uganda and FUFA have earmarked a prize pool of more than UGX 50 million for winners and finalists.
Organisers have called upon Ugandans from all regions of the country to take part in the initiative, share the opportunity with talented creatives and follow the campaign journey as the nation comes together to create a jersey designed by Ugandans for Uganda.
Entries can be submitted through mtnmore.com, while participants are encouraged to share their creative journeys online using the hashtags #MyCranesJersey and #FreeYoFire.