Katikkiro Calls for "Inspiration" Overhaul After AFCON Exit: Is it Time to Rename the Cranes?

 

KAMPALA – Following Uganda’s disappointing exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stages, the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has sparked a national debate by calling for a fundamental shift in how the national team is inspired.

Writing on his X (formerly Twitter) platform, the Katikkiro expressed concern that while technical issues exist, a lack of "inspiration" is a primary barrier to success. His comments have ignited a conversation around four radical proposals aimed at transforming the identity and competitive edge of Ugandan football.

1. From "Cranes" to "Spears"?
The Katikkiro’s most provocative suggestion involves a rebranding of the team’s identity. He argues that the Grey Crowned Crane, while beautiful, is a "docile" and "lazy" bird that fails to strike fear into opponents.
"Why not name the National Team the SPEARS?" the debate suggests. "A spear signifies courage, precision, and victory."
Proponents of this change argue that African football powerhouses often adopt aggressive monikers—like the Lions, Eagles, or Warriors—and that a more formidable name could shift the players' psychological approach to the game.

2. Defining a "National" Identity
The Katikkiro also noted a lack of visual consistency. Currently, the national team’s kit often fluctuates based on corporate sponsors like Airtel or MTN.
The proposal calls for the Cranes (or Spears) to adopt traditional and specific national colors that remain constant, regardless of sponsorship. This would align Uganda with global giants like the Azzurri of Italy or the Seleção of Brazil, whose colors are synonymous with national pride rather than corporate branding.

3. A Terrace Anthem for the 12th Man
A significant factor in the atmosphere of iconic stadiums like Anfield or Soweto’s FNB Stadium is the presence of a fan anthem. Currently, Uganda lacks a unifying song that fans can echo throughout 90 minutes.
The debate suggests that a dedicated National Team Anthem—separate from the National Anthem—is essential to galvanize the crowd and provide a rhythmic "heartbeat" for the players on the pitch.

4. Ending the Era of "Institutional" Clubs
Perhaps the most structural proposal concerns the Uganda Premier League (UPL). The Katikkiro argues that the league is being held back by parastatal and government agency clubs (such as UPDF, Police, and URA FC) which, despite having funding, lack a natural fan base.

The proposed solution:
Redirect Funding: Government agencies should stop running their own teams.
Sponsor Community Giants: Instead, these agencies should sponsor community-based clubs like SC Villa, Vipers, Express, or Wakiso Giants.
The logic is simple: a league dominated by clubs with deep community roots creates a more intense, competitive environment. A strong, high-pressure league is the only proven pipeline for a successful national team.

As the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) looks toward the next qualification cycle, the Katikkiro’s remarks have shifted the focus from the dugout to the very soul of the sport. Whether the "Cranes" will ever fly as "Spears" remains to be seen, but the conversation regarding Uganda’s footballing identity has never been more urgent.
Would you like me to draft an opinion piece or a series of social media posts to help further this debate online?