Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) president, Moses Magogo, has revealed that the 25 Uganda Cranes players have each been receiving a $100 (about Shs356,490) daily allowance since they entered residential camp on July 29.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday at FUFA Hotel in Kisaasi, where the team is camped, Magogo stressed that the players are being promptly and fairly paid their agreed allowances.
“Uganda Cranes players and technical staff have been earning $100 daily allowance since entering residential camp,” Magogo said, before confirming that they have also been receiving their winning bonuses.
He added: “I always tell players — work for money you haven’t yet earned. The $100 allowance is guaranteed, but the winning bonuses are there to be taken, so go for them.”
In addition, each member is eligible for a range of performance-based bonuses. These include $2,000 (Shs 7,129,798) for a win, $1,000 (Shs 3,564,899) for a draw deemed useful, and $4,000 (Shs 14,259,596) for qualifying for the quarterfinals.
They are also entitled to $5,000 (Shs 17,824,495) for reaching the semifinals and $10,000 (Shs 35,648,990) for winning the trophy.
Commenting on Uganda Cranes reaching the knockout stage of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) for the first time, Magogo said the team has already ticked off a key milestone.
“That was our primary objective, because it was the monkey on our back. However, we now want to go all the way,” he said.
He added that the players remain in high spirits: “The boys are in a jovial mood. Those of you in the media who have dined with them can testify that they are happy, motivated, and ready to go all the way.”
Responding to criticism about the team staying at FUFA Hotel in Kisaasi instead of a five-star facility, Magogo defended the decision, noting that the camp offers specialised amenities.
“A football hotel is customised. It is not a general hotel where you order whatever you want. This exclusivity allows us to prepare our own food in our own way,” he explained.
He highlighted that the hotel includes a gym custom-made for football, with further developments such as an outdoor arena and a training pitch that will also support night training.
“CAF inspected and approved this facility. According to the standards of the competition, who is more authoritative — CAF or the critics?” he asked.
Magogo also credited the team’s success to the massive support from Ugandan fans.
“We did not do so well in the first game, but in the second and third matches, we played before a 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 went on to thank Ugandans for their unwavering encouragement: “To our fans, and more specifically Ugandans who have made the effort to make the boys feel at home — thank you so much.”
