The general public has been left stunned by latest development of Mandela National Stadium, Namboole hosting pastor Aloysius Bugingo’s crusade on Friday, October 4.
It should be remembered that during the renovation of the stadium, the state minister for sports Peter Ogwang stated that none sporting activities will no longer be permitted.
“I want to allay your fears and reecho my earlier stance that Namboole Stadium will not be used for any activity other than sports,” Ogwang posted on his X handle on Tuesday evening.
“At least not on our grass. However, Namboole has enough space within the precincts of the stadium, like the parking lots, which can be utilized by management to raise non-tax revenue.”
Whereas a host of Ugandans are in agreement with the stadium hosting other events beyond sports, just like the minster, the playing surface should be a no go zone area.
“I think even Wembley Stadium hosts events that are not sports. Actually state events can also be held in Namboole to allow more citizens to attend. Kololo is small for state functions,” Douglas Kasule shared his thoughts on X.
“I saw the His Excellency Paul Kagame’s inauguration in a stadium. Our entertainment industry can only record huge attendances if there is a venue as big as Namboole.”
“People should have bragging rights if they fill up Namboole. Revenue from such events should be monitored well to maintain the stadium standards,” Kasule added.
The Uganda Cranes returned to Namboole for the first time in five years when they hosted Botswana and Algeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying doubleheader in June.
They will return to the stadium on October 7, three days after Bugingo’s crusade to host South Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
