Let me start with one thing that cannot be argued: the Uganda Cranes have done us proud at CHAN 2024. Every time they step on the pitch, they remind us why football is the game that unites this country in a way nothing else can. Their fight, their hunger, their spirit it’s all there for anyone watching. And for that alone, they deserve our respect and gratitude.
But of course, because we are Ugandans and we love to debate, another issue has crept into the conversation: where the boys are staying during this tournament. Some people are upset, some are laughing it off, others are even saying it could be the secret behind their good performances. I am not an authority on these matters, but as someone who follows the game closely, I have a few thoughts to share.
Closer to the people
Here is the reality: the Cranes are not staying in a luxurious place like Munyonyo. Instead, they are lodged in accommodation that many feel is below what a national team deserves. On the surface, that might look like an embarrassment. But when you think about it deeply, maybe it isn’t such a bad thing.
Sleeping closer to the people has actually given the boys an energy that you cannot buy with five-star comfort. They are not cut off from the ordinary fan who saves money to buy a ticket. They are not living in a bubble where they only see polished hotel walls and distant views of Lake Victoria. They are right there, where the heartbeat of football is felt.
And look at the results. Their Monday game against South Africa was sold out. Do you think that is a coincidence? I don’t. I think the connection between the team and the supporters is stronger because of this very situation. The fans feel like the boys are part of them, and the boys feel that energy back.
Who really decides?
Now, before we get carried away, let’s be clear. The decision of where the Cranes stay is not made by the local organising committee. That’s not their job. The host country, in this case FUFA and the tournament organisers, have the final say. They picked this place for reasons we may not fully know.
Maybe it was about proximity to training grounds. Maybe it was about costs. Maybe it was a strategic choice for reasons that only make sense internally. We can argue about whether it’s right or wrong, but the truth is—this was not a mistake. It was a planned decision.
The comfort paradox
Here’s where things get interesting. There’s an old saying that “comfort kills hunger.” When athletes are given every luxury, sometimes they lose the edge that comes from fighting through challenges. Could it be that this so-called “bad hotel” has actually sharpened our boys?
I know it sounds funny, but think about it. If being in this accommodation has brought out more fight in them, then maybe we should stop complaining. In fact, if downgrading them makes them play even better, maybe we should keep them humble! (Of course, I say this with a laugh, because we also want them to be treated with dignity)
But the point is this: success does not always come from being surrounded by the finest things. Sometimes, it comes from having just enough discomfort to keep you sharp, hungry, and determined to prove a point.
What if they move and lose?
Here’s another question I keep asking myself: what if FUFA listened to the public outcry, shifted the boys to a luxury hotel tomorrow, and then their performance dropped? Who would we blame? Would we blame FUFA? Would we blame the boys? Or would we say maybe the new environment distracted them?
Football is a game of fine margins. One small change can affect the rhythm of the whole team. So, before we demand changes just to satisfy our emotions, maybe we should pause and appreciate the balance that already exists.
Planning versus passion
At the end of the day, this debate shows the difference between those who plan and those who support. We, the fans, are driven by passion. We want the best for our team, because in our minds, giving them the best equals giving them respect. But FUFA and the organisers have to make decisions based on resources, logistics, and the bigger picture.
And truth be told, the housing situation is clearly not breaking the team. They are still performing. They are still winning hearts. So maybe, just maybe, the planners knew what they were doing.
Focus on the real story
As Ugandans, we must not let this hotel story overshadow the real achievement: our boys are fighting and delivering results. Housing is a side issue. The bigger story is the unity, the pride, and the passion the Cranes are bringing to CHAN 2024.
Let’s fill the stadiums. Let’s cheer until our voices crack. Let’s make sure the boys know we are behind them, no matter where they sleep at night. Because in the end, hotels don’t win football matches—hearts and legs on the pitch do.
Final word
So, here’s my take as a keen observer: the Cranes’ housing might not look ideal, but it hasn’t broken them. If anything, it has made them stronger, closer to their people, and more determined to prove themselves. Instead of complaining too much, let’s celebrate the spirit they are showing and keep supporting them all the way.
Because when the history of CHAN 2024 is written, I don’t want it to be remembered as “the tournament of bad hotels.” I want it to be remembered as the tournament where Uganda stood tall, fought hard, and reminded Africa that we are a football nation.
And if the boys are pulling this off while sleeping in so-called “bad hotels,” then maybe just maybe the real secret ingredient to success is not where you sleep, but who you’re playing for.
Communications Officer
Government Citizen Interaction Centre.
State House.
