As the Uganda Cranes bask in the glory of their historic qualification to the CHAN 2024 quarterfinals, attention has not only been on their performances on the pitch but also on the unusual accommodation arrangements that stirred public debate.
The national team has been housed at Cranes Paradise Hotel, a modest unrated facility in Kisaasi, unlike their continental rivals who opted for high-end establishments such as Four Points by Sheraton and Golden Tulip.
The decision drew criticism across social media and from some politicians, who questioned why Uganda’s players were not offered similar standards of comfort.
But FUFA president Moses Magogo has stood firmly by the federation’s choice.
“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 explained.
He argued that the Kisaasi base offered the team the privacy and environment they needed to focus on football rather than outside attention.
“The choice was deliberate and strategic,” he insisted.
Despite the controversy, the Cranes have answered their critics where it matters most on the field. After losing their opener against Algeria, they bounced back in style with a 3-0 victory over Guinea and a 2-0 win against Niger.
Their spirited campaign climaxed with a thrilling 3-3 draw against South Africa, a result that sealed their place at the top of Group C and ensured a first-ever appearance in the CHAN quarterfinals.
The players’ resilience and determination have turned their modest Kisaasi base into an unlikely symbol of discipline, focus, and national pride.
