Uganda Cranes’ Accommodation Controversy Reignites Debate Over ‘Latrine Like’ Infamous Hotel Owned By Speaker Among And Husband Magogo

As the CHAN 2024 tournament continues to unfold, Uganda’s national team—the Uganda Cranes—find themselves in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Not because of on-pitch drama, but due to off-field controversy surrounding their accommodation at the much-criticized Crane’s Paradise Hotel in Kisaasi.

The facility, allegedly linked to the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Anita Among, has sparked a firestorm of backlash and renewed scrutiny, with fans and observers questioning why the national team continues to be housed in a venue many consider unfit for top-tier athletes.

A Viral Video Sparks Outrage

The controversy was reignited last week when a video clip showing Cranes players navigating through a dusty, chaotic environment near the hotel began circulating online. The footage painted a grim picture—players trudging through unpaved roads and ghetto-like surroundings in stark contrast to the luxurious accommodations provided to visiting teams, some of which are staying in four- and five-star hotels.

The video quickly went viral, triggering a wave of patriotic anger. Across social media platforms, fans expressed disbelief and frustration, demanding to know why Uganda’s own team was subjected to such deplorable conditions while guests were enjoying world-class treatment.

LOC Washes Its Hands — Who’s to Blame?

In response to the public outcry, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) moved swiftly to clarify its role—or lack thereof—in selecting the controversial hotel. Dr. Dennis Mugimba, the LOC spokesperson, stated that the decision regarding the Cranes’ accommodation was made by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

“CAF covers the players’ accommodation using part of the \$13 million Uganda government injected into the tournament,” Mugimba explained, distancing the LOC from the selection of Crane’s Paradise.

Despite that clarification, the public’s focus remained fixed on one question: Why this hotel—again?

A History of Headaches: Crane’s Paradise Since 2020

This isn’t the first time Crane’s Paradise Hotel has been at the center of controversy. Its notoriety dates back to November 2020, when *New Vision* ran a damning exposé with the headline: *“Uganda Cranes’ players sleep at ‘building site’.”* At the time, the hotel was still under construction, yet national team players were being accommodated there.

Journalists who visited the camp found windows being installed in rooms already occupied by players, while construction workers continued expanding the building—barely separated from the athletes who were supposed to be preparing for crucial matches.

The pattern repeated itself in 2021. The Cranes were once again camped at the same facility ahead of a qualifier, despite loud complaints from players about loud construction noise and the lack of basic services. Even then, officials from FUFA insisted the venue was suitable. One official reportedly justified the decision by pointing out that the hotel had a “patriotic name.”

Alleged Conflict of Interest: The Speaker, Her Husband, and FUFA

What’s driving FUFA’s continued reliance on a hotel with such a troubled history? Many observers believe the answer lies in politics and personal interest.

Crane’s Paradise Hotel is widely believed to be connected to Speaker Anita Among. Her husband, Moses Magogo, is none other than the current president of FUFA. This familial link has intensified suspicions of a conflict of interest, with critics arguing that decisions affecting national interests may be influenced by personal financial gain.

On social media, the accusations have been sharp and unfiltered. One viral post claimed that the Speaker was treating the national team “as a money-making project,” implying that the accommodation deal was crafted to benefit her household financially—at the expense of player welfare.

A Tale of Two Standards: Cranes vs. Visitors

What has particularly enraged fans is the stark disparity in treatment between the Uganda Cranes and their guests. While international teams participating in CHAN 2024 are lodged in plush hotels with top-tier amenities like swimming pools, gyms, and round-the-clock service, Uganda’s own team finds itself walking through dust and sleeping in rooms with a history of missing windows.

“Uganda Cranes deserved to sleep at a better place,” one frustrated fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Another post bluntly stated that the repeated use of Crane’s Paradise “shows a lack of respect” for the national team that represents the country on the continental stage.

Bigger Questions Ahead of the Knockouts

As the Cranes fight for a spot in the knockout stages of the tournament, the public discourse continues to drift from football to boardroom decisions. Many are asking how and why a hotel that has faced repeated backlash remains the default choice for housing Uganda’s most important sports ambassadors.

The timing couldn’t be more sensitive. The Cranes currently sit at the top of Group C, with a decisive clash against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana looming. A victory would see Morley Byekwaso’s men secure a spot in the knockout stages—an achievement that could help distract from the noise off the pitch, at least temporarily.

Still, the deeper issues remain unresolved. Is the continued use of Crane’s Paradise a matter of patriotic symbolism, political favoritism, or sheer profit-making? Until those questions are answered transparently, the debate is unlikely to die down.

For now, Ugandans will rally behind their team in hopes of victory—but the controversy surrounding their accommodation serves as a powerful reminder of the intersection between sport, politics, and accountability in the country.