The Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, has announced that the refurbished Namboole Stadium is now ready to host international games for the first time since 2019.
In an interview with NBS Sport, the minister said that as government, they have done everything to ensure that the stadium is up to CAF standards.
Namboole Stadium hosted test games on May 1st, featuring two Uganda Premier League matches between BUL and Vipers, as well as a late encounter between KCCA and SC Villa.
This was done to assess the stadium’s readiness to host the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Although the stadium was cleared by CAF on May 13th to host the qualifiers, Ogwang revealed that there were a few areas that needed improvement.
“The stadium was given a partial approvement by CAF to host the two world cup qualifiers, but I was given a report on the areas that needed improvement.” Ogwang said.
“One of the critical areas where they wanted us to improve was the issue of lighting, the second one was the screen, the third one was the media tribunal, fourth one was the VVIP area, and the other concern was the press room.”
“I want to confirm that as government, we’ve done our part in rectifying all issues,” Ogwang stated, confirming that the stadium is now on international standards.
Ogwang ended by calling upon all Ugandans to come out in large numbers and support their national team during the crucial World Cup qualifying matches. “It’s very important to come and watch the games because it is our responsibility,” the minister emphasized.
The Uganda Cranes last played at the iconic Namboole Stadium on November 19th, 2019, in a game that they won 2-0 against Malawi.
Now, the national team is set to make a highly anticipated return to the newly-renovated venue, as they prepare to take on Botswana on June 7th and Algeria on June 10th in their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
