The Uganda Media Centre, in partnership with the Ministry of Information, Communications Technology (ICT) and National Guidance, has launched the Sauti Ya Uganda National and East African Anthems Competition, a nationwide campaign aimed at promoting patriotism, national unity and appreciation of Uganda’s National Anthem and the East African Anthem.
The competition, unveiled at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, invites individuals, choirs, bands and community groups from across the country to showcase their talent by performing both anthems in creative and inspiring ways.
Speaking at the launch, Uganda Media Centre Executive Director Allan Kasujja said the initiative is intended to remind Ugandans that the National Anthem is more than a ceremonial song, describing it as a powerful symbol of the country’s unity, identity and shared aspirations.
He noted that Uganda’s National Anthem, composed by George Wilberforce Kakoma in a single day, has remained a unifying national symbol for the past 64 years and urged citizens to memorise it and participate in the competition.
“We want every Ugandan to know the National Anthem by heart. Whether you are a poet, choir leader, musician, band member or simply someone who loves to sing, this competition is for you,” Kasujja said.
Participants will also perform the East African Anthem, with the overall winner set to walk away with a grand prize of UGX100 million.
Kasujja revealed that the AFCON Organising Committee has committed UGX100 million towards the competition, saying the partnership reflects the country’s preparations for hosting the continental football tournament and the importance of promoting national pride ahead of the event.
Auditions will be conducted across the Central, Northern, Eastern, Western and Southern regions to identify outstanding performers. Each regional winner will receive UGX20 million before advancing to the national finale.
Registration opened immediately after the launch and will remain open until August 8, 2026. Interested participants can register free of charge through the Uganda Media Centre’s online platforms or by email.
Kasujja cautioned members of the public against paying anyone claiming to facilitate registration, stressing that the entire process is free.
The competition will climax on Uganda’s Independence Day, October 9, 2026, when finalists will perform both the Uganda National Anthem and the East African Anthem before a panel of judges.
To expand public participation, organisers also unveiled the Sauti Ya Uganda TikTok Challenge, where weekly winners will receive UGX1 million over four weeks, while the overall best TikTok performance will earn UGX5 million.
Kasujja called upon businesses, cultural institutions and the public to support the initiative, saying it offers an opportunity to strengthen patriotism, promote national cohesion and celebrate Uganda’s heritage as the country prepares to host AFCON.
Veteran musician Hajat Halima Namakula, who was unveiled as the Sauti Ya Uganda Ambassador, welcomed the competition, saying it would encourage more Ugandans to learn and confidently sing the National Anthem in its entirety.
“I have always wondered why many people only know parts of the National Anthem. This competition gives everyone the chance to learn our song because it belongs to all of us,” Namakula said.
She pledged to work with the Uganda Media Centre and the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance to mobilise Ugandans across the country to participate in the competition and use music as a tool to promote patriotism, national pride and regional unity.
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