For decades, the Uganda Cranes jersey has been more than just fabric stitched together in national colors. It has been worn through moments of triumph and heartbreak. It has travelled across borders, represented dreams on continental stages, and united millions of Ugandans behind one badge. Now, for the first time, the people who wear it in the stands, celebrate it in the streets, and defend it endlessly on social media have been invited to help create it.
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Last week, MTN Uganda and the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) officially launched the “Tulage Waaka” campaign as part of its broader repositioning “Free Your Fayaaa” campaign. The newly rolled out nationwide campaign that will see Ugandans design the next official Uganda Cranes jersey.
Unveiled at MTN Uganda headquarters in Kampala, the initiative shifts supporters from simply cheering the national team to actively shaping one of its most important symbols.
MTN Uganda’s “Free Your Fayaaa” initiative is built around giving Ugandans opportunities to showcase their talent, creativity and ambition. Whether it is through music, art or even sports. This time, that creativity is being directed towards football, given that football is not only one of the unifying pegs among Ugandans. Whether they are rallying behind the Ugandan Cranes or even supporting their favorite homegrown Uganda Premier League team, Ugandans always go all out to support their very own.
With the new campaign, MTN Uganda and FUFA are giving the power to the fans, especially those who have a knack for art, and get a chance to have their works become the face of the next official Uganda Cranes jersey.
Speaking during the launch, MTN Uganda’s Manager Sponsorships and Events, John Paul Okwi, said the campaign is about giving Ugandans an opportunity to leave a lasting mark on 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.”
He added that the initiative goes beyond designing a football shirt.
“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 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha welcomed the partnership, noting that it presents supporters with a rare chance to become part of the Uganda Cranes story.
“The campaign gives every fan a chance to add value and truly own the Uganda Cranes jersey they wear. 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 everyone, from professional designers and students to creative collectives and football fans with a bold idea and a passion for the game. Participants can submit entries either as individuals or groups. Once submissions close, the best seven concepts will be selected and invited to a three-day mentorship bootcamp where they will work alongside experienced creatives to refine their designs before the final winner is chosen.
Beyond the prestige of designing the next Uganda Cranes jersey, participants will also compete for a share of a UGX 50 million prize fund.
How to Participate
• Submissions are now open and will close on July 9, 2026.
• The top seven finalists will proceed to a mentorship bootcamp running from July 14 to July 16, 2026.
• Entries can be submitted by individuals or groups through the MTN More platform.
• Participants are encouraged to share their design journey on social media using the hashtags #MyUGCranesJersey and #FreeYourFayaaa.