By Karim Were
The Uganda Media Centre (UMC), in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, has launched Sauti Ya Uganda (Voice of Uganda), a nationwide civic campaign that seeks to strengthen patriotism, national cohesion and regional identity through music.
The initiative invites Ugandans to learn, interpret and perform all three stanzas of the Uganda National Anthem and the East African Community (EAC) Anthem in any language and musical style. Organizers say the campaign responds to growing concerns that many Ugandans are only familiar with the first verse of the national anthem, while awareness of the EAC Anthem remains limited.
According to the organizers, Sauti Ya Uganda is designed to encourage citizens to reconnect with the values embodied in the two anthems while celebrating the country’s cultural diversity. Rather than requiring participants to conform to one musical tradition, the competition welcomes performances in indigenous languages and a wide range of musical genres, including traditional, contemporary and folk arrangements.
The nationwide contest carries a grand prize of Shs100 million, with registration opening on July 10, 2026, and closing on August 8, 2026. Participation is open to solo artists, choirs, bands and cultural groups from across Uganda.
To make the competition accessible to participants in all parts of the country, organizers have introduced multiple registration channels. Contestants can download forms online, submit them physically at the National Theatre in Kampala or send them through regional collection centres, whose locations will be announced in the coming weeks.
The judging process has also been designed to improve accessibility. Professional judges will travel to different regions to conduct live knockout rounds, reducing travel costs for contestants and allowing performers to compete within their communities.
The competition will culminate in a grand finale during Uganda’s Independence Day celebrations on October 9, 2026. In addition to the main competition, the campaign includes four weeks of TikTok challenges aimed at engaging young people, with weekly winners receiving Shs1 million.
Speaking at the launch, Uganda Media Centre Executive Director Alan Kasujja said the campaign is intended to inspire a renewed sense of belonging among Ugandans.
“Sauti Ya Uganda isn’t asking you to memorize words. It is asking you to bring back to life—in your own voice, your own language—and choose unity over division and region over tribe. This is not just a talent search. It is an invitation to every Ugandan to reinterpret our national anthem and the East African Anthem in their own voice, style and creativity,” Kasujja said.
Supporters of the initiative say music has the power to strengthen national identity while embracing Uganda’s rich cultural heritage.
Dr. Benon Kigozi of the African Music Council described the competition as an opportunity to foster patriotism and a stronger sense of belonging.
“The competition on the Uganda National Anthem and the East African Anthem is very important in promoting patriotism and a general sense of nationalism and belonging. When people understand the anthem, they share common values that help strengthen national unity,” he said.
Singer Hajat Halima Namakula, one of the campaign’s ambassadors, welcomed the initiative, saying it aligns with her long-standing desire to promote love for country.
“This is something I have always wanted. I am glad that the Uganda Media Centre chose me as one of the ambassadors, and I am committed to supporting this campaign because I am doing it for my country,” she said.
Media personality and storyteller Dr. Mich Egwang said the national anthem remains one of the strongest symbols of Uganda’s identity.
“Every time I hear our national anthem, I feel proud. Sometimes it even brings tears to my eyes. It reminds us who we are as a people, and I am honoured to be part of this initiative,” he said.
Organizers say Sauti Ya Uganda is more than a music competition. They hope it will encourage civic education, strengthen appreciation of Uganda’s national symbols and promote a shared East African identity ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.
