Katikiro Peter Mayiga Explains Uganda Cranes’ AFCON Collapse, Calls for Name Change

Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister Charles Peter Mayiga has weighed in on Uganda Cranes’ poor performance at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the national team failed to win a single match in the group stages.

According to the Katikiro, one of the major causes of the team’s collapse is a lack of inspiration, which he believes starts with the very identity of the national team.

In a detailed statement, Mayiga proposed four major reforms he believes could transform the national team and revive Ugandan football:

🏹 1. Change the Team Name

Mayiga argued that the name “Cranes” represents a docile and lazy bird, which does not reflect the fighting spirit required in competitive football.
He suggested renaming the team “The Spears”, a symbol of courage, strength, and victory.

🎨 2. Establish Traditional Team Colors

He criticized the national team for using colors influenced by sponsors rather than national identity.
Mayiga called for distinct, traditional colors that reflect Uganda’s heritage — similar to how top national teams across the world operate.

🎶 3. Introduce a National Team Anthem

The Katikiro also proposed the creation of a Uganda Cranes anthem that fans can sing together during matches to strengthen unity, morale, and support for the players.

🏟️ 4. Reform Club Ownership in Ugandan Football

Mayiga strongly criticized the presence of government and parastatal football clubs, arguing that they lack genuine fanbases and therefore weaken the competitiveness of the league.

He proposed that government bodies such as UPDF, Police, and URA should instead sponsor community-based clubs like:

• SC Villa

• Vipers SC

• Express FC

• Wakiso Giants

According to Mayiga, a league without a strong fanbase cannot produce a strong national team.

“Uganda didn’t exit the group stage at AFCON for a number of reasons, but lack of inspiration is one of them… These four factors could inspire the national team,” Mayiga concluded.