Kampala,Uganda– As Uganda Cranes advance to the knockout stages of the ongoing continental football tournament, FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim has addressed the nation on key issues surrounding the team’s preparation, performance, and public perception particularly in regard to their controversial team hotel and the overwhelming home support fueling their progress.
Amidst growing public debate over the quality and suitability of the team hotel, Hon. Magogo took the opportunity to clear the air, defending the facility as a purpose-built structure tailored to the unique demands of a national football team.
“It is true that as a Federation, we have seen some of this feedback from the public. But I want to inform the general public that some of the publications that are being made are false,” he said.
Magogo emphasized that the hotel is not a standard hospitality venue but a customized football facility.
“This exclusivity gives us a way of preparing our own food our own way. About the hotel, it has its own gym also custom-made for football,” he noted.
He further pointed out the ongoing development of an outdoor arena and night-training pitch, visible from the hotel itself. According to the FUFA President, the facility has already been inspected and approved by CAF (Confederation of African Football).
“CAF has to come and look at the amenities and this hotel was approved by CAF. According to the standards of the competition, who is more authoritative? Is it you, the competitor, or CAF?” Magogo posed rhetorically.
On the Role of Fans: “The Team Feels at Home”
Shifting focus to the national support, Magogo expressed heartfelt gratitude to Ugandan fans who turned up in large numbers despite early setbacks.
“We did not do so well in the first game, but we came in the second game and were full house… I am very certain that our qualification out of the group stage is purely because of the support we get at home,” he said.
He gave special thanks to residents of Kisaasi, the area hosting the team, for their visible and emotional support.
“The team now needs more support. We have gone through a phase (groups) now in the knockout phase, where we have a game against Senegal, and it’s very important that the boys are loved,” he added.
On the Team’s Readiness: “We Want to Go All the Way”
Looking ahead, Magogo reaffirmed that the Cranes had met their initial target of advancing from the group stage an achievement he described as “the monkey on our back.”
“We have achieved our first objective… However, we want to go all the way,” he declared.
According to the Fufa President, morale in the Cranes camp is high, with players in “jovial mood” and eager to push further in the tournament.
“Those of you in the media who have joined us for lunch, you have dined with them, and you can testify that the boys are happy, and they are willing to go all the way,” he said.
