Uganda Cranes’ remarkable run at CHAN 2024 has been accompanied by an off-pitch debate that has divided opinion among fans, sports stakeholders, and politicians: the team’s accommodation.
Unlike other nations lodged at plush hotels such as Four Points by Sheraton and Golden Tulip, the Cranes have been based at Cranes Paradise Hotel, an unrated facility tucked away in Kisaasi.
The choice sparked a wave of criticism, with many questioning why Uganda’s players were not afforded the same luxurious standards as their continental rivals.
FUFA president Moses Magogo, however, has stood firm on the decision, saying the federation intentionally went for a less glamorous but more functional setup.
“For a footballer to perform at their peak, their accommodation must be customised, with the primary concern being exclusivity to keep the players away from public distractions,” Magogo said.
He noted that the team’s environment was carefully chosen to give them privacy and concentration.
“The choice was deliberate and strategic,” he insisted.
On the pitch, the Cranes have silenced their doubters in spectacular fashion. After a rocky start with a defeat to Algeria, the team stormed back with a 3-0 demolition of Guinea and a 2-0 win over Niger.
Their final group game was a thrilling 3-3 draw with South Africa, a result that not only sealed their place at the top of Group C but also delivered a historic first-ever qualification to the CHAN quarterfinals.
What began as a point of controversy has turned into a source of pride: the modest Kisaasi camp now stands as a symbol of the Cranes’ focus, discipline, and resilience proof that luxury is not always the key to success
