The CHAN 2024 Local Organising Committee (LOC) for Uganda has moved to clear its name following a wave of public criticism over the Uganda Cranes’ accommodation, saying the responsibility lies entirely with the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) and not CAF or the LOC.
The storm broke after a video showing Cranes players taking a morning walk through Kisasi, a Kampala suburb, went viral on TikTok, Facebook, and X.
The footage, filmed on Tuesday, August 12, a day after Uganda’s 2-0 win over Niger, raised questions about why the national team was staying in what many fans felt was a less-than-ideal setting for a continental tournament.
Uganda’s CHAN squad is currently based at Cranes Paradise Hotel, a long-time FUFA partner “hotel”.
While familiar to the players, it falls short in quality compared to the five-star facilities enjoyed by their Group C rivals.
Niger is lodged at Hotel Protea, Guinea at Four Points by Sheraton Kampala, Algeria at Golden Tulip Kampala, and South Africa at Protea Skyz Marriott, all rated between 4.3 and 4.5 stars.
This disparity has fueled concern that inadequate accommodation could not only undermine the team’s performance, but their security too.
The Cranes have played three matches so far, losing 3-0 to Algeria before bouncing back with a 3-0 victory over Guinea and a 2-0 win against Niger.
They currently lead Group C with six points and will face South Africa in their final group game on Monday, August 18.
In a statement, the LOC sought to set the record straight, stressing that accommodation arrangements for the Uganda Cranes were proposed to CAF by FUFA.
“CAF conducts assessment, approves, and enters contracts with the respective hotels. Through the host football federation, CAF usually gives the host national team the option to choose where to stay,” the committee said.
“The hotel where the Cranes are accommodated was identified and proposed to CAF by FUFA.”
The LOC added that the government, through FUFA, is responsible for meeting the accommodation expenses as part of the US$13 million paid to CAF for hosting rights.
CAF then covers the bills for all teams, including Uganda, using this allocation.
The committee also rejected suggestions of preferential treatment for visiting teams.
It stated that security, transport, and related services for all Group C teams, including the Cranes, are guaranteed and funded by the government for as long as the teams remain in the tournament.
The Cranes’ performance on the pitch has so far offset the noise off it, but with the South Africa clash looming, the debate over whether a national team’s comfort can influence results continues to simmer.
