The Government of Uganda has launched the Sauti Ya Uganda National and East African Anthems Competition, offering a UGX 100 million grand prize to the overall winner in a nationwide campaign to promote patriotism, Kiswahili and regional integration.

The competition was launched on Friday, July 10th, 2026, by the Uganda Media Centre Executive Director, Alan Kasujja.

According to Kasujja, registration is free and runs from July 10th to August 8th, 2026, while the grand finale will be held on October 9th, Uganda’s Independence Day.

He noted that regional winners from Northern, Eastern, Central and Western Uganda will each receive UGX 20 million, in addition to trophies and other awards.

Speaking at the launch, Kasujja urged Ugandans from all parts of the country to participate.

“We want you to register. Go to our platforms at the Uganda Media Centre, you’ll find a link. Register your choir, yourself, register your band, register your friends, provided they can sing,” he said.

He said the competition is open to individuals, choirs and bands, adding that participants may perform in any language of their choice.

Kasujja also revealed that the AFCON 2027 organising committee had pledged UGX 100 million to support the initiative.

“This morning, in a quick meeting I had with the organizing committee of AFCON, they committed to give us UGX 100 million as partners in this event,” he said.

Calling for nationwide support, Kasujja appealed to businesses to back the campaign, saying it would strengthen patriotism and national unity.

The competition aims to encourage every Ugandan to confidently sing the National Anthem while promoting the use of Kiswahili and increasing appreciation of the East African Community anthem as Uganda advances regional integration.

Kasujja thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for inspiring the initiative and acknowledged the support of ICT Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba and other stakeholders.