Beyond the whistle: Why Ugandan football needs its own anthems

There’s something deeply emotional about hearing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” echo through Anfield before a Liverpool match, or “Heja BVB” thunder through Dortmund’s yellow-filled Westfalenstadion.

These aren’t just pre-match rituals. They’re cultural symbols—anthems of identity that endure beyond seasons, managers, or star players.

Across Europe, football clubs—men’s and women’s alike—are bonded to their fans through music. Arsenal has “North London Forever,” Real Madrid faithful raise scarves to “Hala Madrid,” and Manchester United’s fans belt out “Glory, Glory Man United.”

These are more than songs. They are chants of belonging, of unity, of defiance. They carry emotion, history, and pride.

But in Uganda—and much of Africa—we’re missing that vital piece. Yes, we have passion. We have the drums, the vuvuzelas, the unmatched stadium energy. But where are the songs? Where is the musical identity that ties clubs to their communities beyond the ninety minutes?

From Express to KCCA, Vipers to BUL, NEC to Kitara—clubs that have energized the Uganda Premier League—matchday energy is loud, passionate, but often fleeting. Chants are reactionary. The drums fall silent after the final whistle. Nothing lingers in the heart of a young fan on their first trip to the stands.

Even after Vipers SC were crowned 2024/2025 UPL champions on May 24 at Kitende, the euphoria faded quickly—contained largely within the club’s inner circle.

This is a gap in our football culture, and it’s time we filled it.

Supporters' songs aren’t just a European novelty. They are grassroots tools of unity and identity.

They’re simple to start—a catchy chorus, a player’s name, a phrase that sticks. Fans can create them. Clubs can amplify them. Radio stations and influencers can promote them. Schools can pass them on. And just like that, a tradition is born.

There’s also a business case: a great song becomes a club anthem. It sells jerseys. It boosts media attention. It draws in casual fans and captures imaginations beyond the pitch.

A well-crafted song can turn a football club into a movement.

But it has to be intentional. Clubs should collaborate with fans, local artists, and media to develop meaningful anthems. And this must include women’s teams. They deserve the same love, creativity, and cultural investment.

It’s time to give Ugandan football a soundtrack. Let’s create music that doesn’t fade at full-time—but echoes for generations.