Opinion
By Douglas Mazune
Sports writer

FUFA publicist Rogers Mulindwa sparked off fears that Uganda Cranes might not defend their CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup title because the soccer federation has run out of money.

The soccer body may be financially constrained because of court battles on many fronts and other un-budgeted international engagements, but there should be not even the slightest of doubts about Cranes’ participation in the regional tournament.

Cranes do not necessarily have to raise the budgeted sh54m to compete in the regional championship that will run from November 28 to December 13 in Kenya.

While in Kenya, the tournament sponsor Orange will cater for their accommodation and meals and internal travel. So if there are any expenses to worry about, they should be from those incurred during the one-week build up in Kampala

In the worst case scenario the Cranes can travel to the venue, Mumias Kenya in their van. If the budget includes air-tickets, then travelling by road would see the budget come down by a staggering sh18m.

The federation has already incurred expenses and continues to accumulate bills, so the team must accomplish the task on which they are spending. The Cranes have already moved from Sky Hotel to the pocket-friendly Namboole hostel.

Even then, FUFA president Lawrence Mulindwa would rather divert money meant for the ‘elective assembly’ in Arua than arm his band of critics by failing to defend the CECAFA title.