Kampala, Uganda: The Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek Charles Peter Mayiga has questioned the identity of the Uganda Cranes, arguing that the team’s name is “too docile” and lacks the symbolism of courage and bravery needed to inspire players and fans at major tournaments.
In remarks shared on his official X account weeks after Uganda’s group-stage exit at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Mayiga said the national team’s struggles go beyond tactics and personnel, pointing instead to a deeper crisis of inspiration.
“The name CRANES is so docile. The national bird is so lazy,” Mayiga wrote, proposing a rebrand to a nickname that conveys courage and victory, such as SPEARS, to better reflect competitive spirit on the continental stage.
Mayiga said successful national teams draw strength from aggressive symbolism and identity, which he believes Uganda currently lacks, especially in high-pressure competitions like AFCON.
Beyond the name, the Katikkiro also criticised the absence of a clear national colour identity rooted in Uganda’s history, saying the team’s image has been overly shaped by corporate sponsorships rather than tradition.
The Katikkiro further noted that the Cranes lack a unifying anthem that fans can chant throughout matches, arguing that music and coordinated support play a critical role in motivating players and intimidating opponents.
Mayiga also weighed in on domestic football, warning that clubs owned by government agencies and parastatals undermine the growth of a competitive league due to weak fan bases.
He said institutions such as the Uganda People’s Defence Force, Police and Uganda Revenue Authority should instead sponsor community-based clubs like SC Villa, Vipers SC, Express FC and Wakiso Giants FC, which already command loyal support.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
