The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance has launched a nationwide singing competition aimed at strengthening patriotism and encouraging Ugandans to learn the country’s national anthems.
The competition, named Sauti Ya Uganda, is running under the theme, “One Nation, One Voice.”
Organisers said the initiative will use music to promote national unity and renew appreciation for Uganda’s identity, heritage and values.
Uganda Media Centre Executive Director Alan Kasujja launched the programme on Friday on behalf of ICT and National Guidance Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi.
Kasujja described Sauti Ya Uganda as a national movement intended to unite citizens and deepen their appreciation for the country.
He encouraged individuals, bands and choirs that can confidently sing Uganda’s national anthems to register for the competition.
“Anybody who can sing can enter the competition. If you are great as a band or choir, you can also enter the competition,” Kasujja said.
Regional winners to receive Shs20 million
The competition will take place across Uganda, with each regional winner receiving Shs20 million.
Regional champions will then advance to the national stage. The overall winner will receive a grand prize of Shs100 million.
Organisers said the programme also forms part of efforts to build national pride before Uganda co-hosts the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The AFCON organising committee contributed Shs100 million to support the initiative.
Seven-day TikTok challenge launched
The ministry also launched the #SautiYaUganda TikTok Challenge to widen participation in the campaign.
The online challenge will run for seven days and offer daily prizes of Shs1 million. The overall winner will receive Shs5 million.
Ugandans from different backgrounds are being encouraged to record themselves singing the national anthem and post their performances on TikTok using the hashtag #SautiYaUganda.
Officials said the campaign seeks to increase the number of citizens who can sing the national anthem from memory.
It also aims to promote unity, patriotism and pride in Uganda’s national identity.
Musicians support patriotism campaign
Veteran musician and journalist Halima Namakula, who was named an ambassador for the competition, welcomed the programme.
She said it would help Ugandans “rediscover their love for the Pearl of Africa.”
Swangz Avenue co-founder Benon Mugumbya also pledged to offer recording opportunities to selected participants.
During the launch, he highlighted the performance of the Makerere University Choir, which sang the national anthems.
Kasujja said a personal experience inspired the idea for the competition.
He recalled asking a colleague to sing the national anthem, only to discover that she could not complete it.
“She was only able to sing, ‘We young women and men of Uganda,’ and that shocked me,” Kasujja told the audience.
Interested participants can obtain registration forms through the Uganda Media Centre’s official account on X.
