The long-awaited completion of the Mandela National Stadium renovation project has reached a major milestone with the successful laying of the national athletics track.
This development marks the business end of a lengthy process that has seen the stadium’s facilities undergo a significant overhaul.
The track, which was one of the final pieces of the renovation puzzle, had previously forced national athletics trials to be held away from Namboole, primarily at UCU in Mukono.
The tartan track was laid in August, which meant the stadium was unavailable for continental matches of Kitara and SC Villa.
However, Villa was ultimately granted permission to host their game at Namboole, despite the track not being fully dried.
Ahead of the upcoming September international window, Project Manager Lt Col Eng Peter Kidemuka assured fans that the stadium was in excellent condition, with only the markings remaining to be completed.
“The tartan track has been laid and is ready,” he stated during an interview ahead of Uganda’s home game against Congo. “The only remaining work is the markings, which will be overseen by an expert.”
On Monday morning, UPDF Deputy Defence Spokesperson Col. Deo Akiki shared images of the marked track, confirming that the national athletics track was now ready for action.
While the renovated National Athletics track is now ready to welcome athletes, it remains to be seen which event will be the first to take place on the newly laid surface.
Uganda and Kenya will return to Namboole in early October hosting South Sudan and Cameroon, respectively.
