For the fifth year in a row, the iconic Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, will not host the annual Passover Night Prayers, a tradition that was last held at the venue until 2018.
The disruption was initially caused by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, which halted public gatherings.
Subsequently, the stadium underwent extensive renovations, keeping it closed to most activities.
Although sports events resumed at Namboole earlier this year, non-sporting events such as the highly attended Passover Night Prayers remain restricted.
Confusion Over Venue Availability
Pastor Joseph Sserwadda of the Born Again Faith (BAF), who is one of the main organizers of the prayers, revealed that despite assurances from authorities earlier this year, the event will not take place at Namboole.
Speaking during an appearance on NTV Akawungezi, Sserwadda expressed his frustration over the lack of clear communication.
“We shall not be going to Namboole,” Sserwadda said. “I personally don’t understand why this has been handled this way.”
“Those responsible have avoided us, and the little information we have received has come from security guards.”
Sserwadda added that Minister of Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang had earlier assured him that the prayers could be held at Namboole, as long as the playing surface and running track were not used.
“I told him we expect about 45000 Christians. He then informed me that the stadium stands have been narrowed and cannot accommodate such a large crowd.”
“I accepted that explanation, but now, as the day approaches, I’ve learned the stadium is unavailable to us,” Sserwadda explained.
Shift to Victory Christian Center
Due to the unavailability of Namboole, the annual Passover Night Prayers will instead be held at Victory Christian Center in Ndeeba, a Kampala suburb.
Sserwadda and his congregation are now preparing to host thousands of worshippers at the church for the significant event.
This development underscores the ongoing challenges with utilizing Namboole for large gatherings outside of sports.
While the stadium has reopened for athletic events, it remains unclear when it will fully accommodate other activities that draw massive crowds, such as religious events.
The Bigger Picture
Mandela National Stadium has been under scrutiny for its limited accessibility since renovations began.
For now, the Born Again Faith community will continue its celebration at an alternative venue, but the question remains: Will Namboole ever reopen for all?
