Mayiga pushes for Uganda Cranes name change after anemic Afcon performance

The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has suggested radical changes to Uganda national football team, the Uganda Cranes, including a complete name change, following its lackluster performance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco

The Premier argued that deeper identity issues may be affecting the team’s motivation and connection to supporters. 

Following an underwhelming campaign in Morocco, where the Cranes failed to progress beyond the group stages, Mayiga argued that a lack of inspiration is at the heart of the team's persistent struggles.

First, he questioned the nickname “The Cranes”, pointing out that the national bird is “docile.”

“The name CRANES is so docile, the national bird is so lazy. Why not name the National Team the SPEARS, which signifies courage; victory,” he said 

Mayiga also noted that the National Team lacks a "traditional and specific colour," often appearing to be at the mercy of corporate sponsors like Airtel or MTN rather than a fixed national heritage.

Furthermore, he pointed out the absence of a dedicated national football anthem that fans can echo throughout matches to create an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams.

The Katikkiro’s comments come at a time of deep soul-searching for Ugandan football. During the ongoing AFCON in Morocco,  the Cranes were eliminated at the group stage after a series of underwhelming results, failing to win a single match in Group C. 

Tunisia beat Uganda 3–1, leaving the East Africans struggling for cohesion, before a 1–1 draw with Tanzania and a 3–1 loss to Nigeria sealed their fate as the bottom team in the group with just one point. 

Nigeria finished the group with a perfect nine points, while Tunisia and Tanzania advanced to the knockout rounds.

Despite flashes of defensive resilience, the team lacked the clinical edge required to compete with Africa's elite, leading to a sense of stagnation among the fans. 

Meanwhile, Mayiga took aim at the structural composition of Ugandan football. He argued that the dominance of institutional clubs—such as UPDF, Police, and URA FC—is stifling the growth of the Uganda Premier League. 

Because these parastatal teams lack a natural, passionate fan base, the league remains uncompetitive, which in turn fails to produce a battle-hardened national squad.

"Parastatals and government agencies should instead sponsor community-based clubs like SC Villa, Vipers, Express, or Wakiso Giants," Mayiga suggested. 

He maintains that a league built on community loyalty is the only way to foster the competitive environment necessary to build a national team capable of conquering Africa.