Jackson Mayanja

Jackson Mayanja (born June 27, 1969), popularly known as "Mia Mia," is a retired Ugandan footballer and coach. He is recognized for his remarkable playing career with the Uganda Cranes and his influential coaching stints with clubs in Uganda and Tanzania.

Early life and playing career Jackson Mayanja was born on June 27, 1969. He was born to Francis Ssekimpi and Nakato Joyce, Jackson Mayanja and he attended Police Children School and later Kololo Secondary school where he began his football career and captained the school.

In 1985, he tried for Police FC but was not successful. KCCA FC scouted him and he made his debut for them in 1987 against Nsambya FC and he scored eight goals in the season to guide KCCA FC - then KKC FC to lift the Uganda Cup. In 1989, he sustained a knee injury that kept him on the sidelines until February 1990. He scored five goals and helped the team lift the Uganda cup that season. Scoring 11 and 23 goals in 1991 and 1992 respectively, he was signed by the Egyptian outfit El-Masry for a transfer rumored to be $30,000.

Awards and titles During his football career, Jackson Mayanja achieved numerous accolades at both club and national levels. He won two Uganda Premier League titles with Kampala City Council (KCC) FC in 1991 and 1997. Additionally, he secured two Uganda Cup titles with the same club in 1987 and 1990. On the international stage, Mayanja was instrumental in helping the Uganda Cranes clinch three CECAFA Cup titles in 1990, 1992, and 1996. Individually, he was recognized for his exceptional talent and was named Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) Footballer of the Year twice, in 1993 and 1996. In 2004, FUFA appointed Jackson Mayanja as Assistant Coach to Mohammed Abbas the then Uganda National Football team coach. He also served as an assistant coach for the Tanzanian national team. In 2023, he KCCA FC appointed Jackson ‘Mia Mia’ Mayanja as the Interim Head Coach until end of June 2023. In November 2023, Mayanja was appointed head coach of Sunrise FC in Rwanda, a position he held until June 2025.. In 2018, Jackson Mayanja launched Mia Mia Football Academy - to equip children with the basic football skills.

Controversy Mayanja was known for his fiery temperament on the field, which occasionally led to disciplinary issues. Notable incidents include a red card for dissent during a CAF match against AFC Leopards and another for kicking the ball away in a league game against Mbale Heroes, causing him to miss crucial fixtures due to suspension.

Career statistics International

Scores and results list Uganda's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Mayanja goal.