The Uganda Cranes have unveiled their new kits for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers, marking a pivotal moment in Ugandan football as Janzi, a local clothing brand, takes over as the official kit manufacturer.
This shift reflects the growing commitment to supporting homegrown talent and improving financial efficiency within Uganda’s sports sector.
Beyond the bold new design, this story focuses on the strategic decision by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) to prioritize local manufacturing with Janzi. FUFA President Moses Magogo emphasized the financial advantages of moving to an in-house brand, explaining that eliminating middlemen would significantly increase the federation’s revenue.
“It has been studied that out of 100% money made by football, 90% is held by the middlemen. When we sell a branded jersey on the local market for 50,000 shillings, the actual cost could be 10,000 shillings. The manufacturer and tax expenses take up a significant portion of the profit,” Magogo said in February when Janzi was launched as FUFA’s sportswear manufacturer.
By partnering with Janzi, FUFA not only supports local talent and industry but also enhances the financial sustainability of Ugandan football. This transition represents a strategic move that aligns with the federation’s long-term vision to reduce external costs and retain more profit within the sport. MTN Uganda’s continued sponsorship further strengthens this initiative, promoting local innovation while boosting the economy.
The new kits, featuring a partial-stripe design in the national flag colors of black, yellow, red, and white, embody national pride and creativity. This decision to embrace local manufacturing is not just about aesthetics; it reflects a wider message of self-reliance and financial empowerment as the Cranes prepare for their 2025 AFCON Qualifiers.
