Fufa and MTN Launch "Free Your Fayaaa" Campaign for Cranes' Afcon Jersey Design

Uganda is set to co-host the 36th Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in 2027 alongside Kenya and Tanzania. In anticipation of this major continental event, the local football governing body, Fufa, in partnership with MTN, has initiated a unique campaign titled “Free Your Fayaaa - Tulage Waaka.” This national competition is a call for talented Ugandans to design the jersey that the Uganda Cranes will wear during the tournament.

Fufa’s First Vice President, Justus Mugisha, emphasized that football is the most unifying sport in Uganda and that the jersey design should reflect the passion of the fans. “We thought, together with our partners, that the jersey should not be designed by Fufa, not even our partners but the fans who have a lot of fire,” Mugisha stated at the campaign launch held at MTN Headquarters.

The campaign, inspired by MTN’s “Free Your Fire” platform, seeks to transform fans from mere spectators into active creators, giving them a direct role in shaping a significant symbol of national pride. MTN’s manager of sponsorships and events, John Paul Okwi, explained that the online competition portal will open on June 22nd, allowing creatives to submit their designs.

A panel of judges will select seven finalists, whose designs will undergo refinement by graphic designers mentored to incorporate national elements. The winning designer will receive a Shs50 million prize from MTN, with consolation prizes for the other six finalists. Fufa CEO Edgar Watson highlighted the importance of artistic expression, noting that “everything was once an idea” and encouraging participants to express themselves freely.

The launch event also featured artists showcasing their interpretations of the Uganda Cranes through paintings, drawing inspiration from national symbols like the crane’s crown, which could serve as a unique identifier for the team. While artists who exhibited at the launch are ineligible for the competition, their work demonstrated the rich artistic potential within Uganda.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/soccer/fufa-mtn-launch-cranes-afcon-jersey-campaign-5501488