Uganda Cranes fans’ campaign launched ahead of 2025 AFCON

The countdown to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) gathered pace on Saturday as Nile Special, MTN Uganda and MultiChoice Uganda, in partnership with the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), launched a nationwide fan engagement campaign aimed at drumming up support for the Uganda Cranes.

The campaign, unveiled at Nile Breweries head offices in Luzira, introduced a specially designed Uganda Cranes fans’ jersey under the theme “One Nation, One Team, One Beer.”

The initiative seeks to unite Ugandans at home and abroad as the national team prepares for the continental showpiece, which kicks off on December 21 in Morocco.

Speaking at the launch, Nile Breweries Brand Manager Eric Malinga emphasised the importance of supporters, describing them as the team’s “12th player” as Uganda heads into one of Africa’s most demanding football tournaments.

“As the Cranes prepare to represent Uganda in Morocco, we need the fans both at home and abroad to stand firmly with the team,” Malinga said. “That is why we designed a special fans’ jersey, which supporters can win during watch parties that will be organised across different regions of the country.”

He explained that the initiative is particularly targeted at fans who may not be able to travel to Morocco, ensuring they still feel closely connected to the AFCON experience. Designated watch parties will be held nationwide, where fans will take part in penalty challenges, with successful participants walking away with the fans’ jersey.

Malinga added that the jersey features emblems representing all regions of Uganda, symbolising national unity and collective support as the Cranes fly the national flag on the continental stage.

MultiChoice Uganda, the mother of Dstv and GOtv also reaffirmed its commitment to bringing the tournament closer to fans. “As the home of African football, we are proud to partner in this national celebration,” said Colin Asiimwe, Head of Marketing at MultiChoice Uganda. “AFCON is more than a tournament; it is a cultural moment that brings Ugandans together. Our role is to ensure fans experience every match in the best possible way.”

Uganda return to the AFCON finals after missing out on the 2021 and 2023 editions held in Cameroon and Ivory Coast. Their best performance at the tournament remains the historic 1978 campaign, when they finished runners-up to Ghana. The 2025 tournament will mark Uganda’s eighth appearance at AFCON.

The finals will open with hosts Morocco facing Comoros in Group A at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Uganda have been drawn in Group C alongside Nigeria, Tunisia and neighbours Tanzania, a group widely considered one of the toughest at the tournament.

The Cranes will begin their campaign on December 23 against Tunisia at the same venue, following an earlier clash between Nigeria and Tanzania.

Former Uganda Cranes defender Hassan Wasswa Mawanda has backed the team to rise to the challenge under head coach Paul Put.

“We are in a tough group, but I trust the players and the technical team to put up a spirited performance,” Wasswa said, adding that a positive result in the opening match will be key to building momentum.

Africa Cup of Nations 2025 (AFCON)

December 21 To January 18, 2026

Group C (Uganda, Tanzania, Tunisia, Nigeria)

Uganda’s Group C fixtures

December 23

Tunisia v Uganda

December 27

Uganda v Tanzania

December 30

Uganda v Nigeria