After a lengthy renovation, 2025 will see athletics return to the National Athletics Track in Namboole.
This marks a significant turning point for Ugandan athletes who have long faced challenges in qualifying for international competitions due to inadequate training facilities.
The absence of the athletics tracl at Namboole, unavailable since 2022, forced athletes to travel abroad for crucial training and qualifying events.
This not only incurred significant costs for the Uganda Athletics Federation but also disrupted training schedules and impacted their performance.
The recent renovations have transformed Namboole into a state-of-the-art facility. Equipped with essential features like electric timing systems – crucial for qualifying in events from 800 meters and below – the track now meets international standards.
“We needed to uplift athletes’ sprints, and Namboole gives us the perfect platform to achieve this,” said Uganda Athletics Federation President Dominic Otuchet at a press conference on Saturday.
The federation has a packed calendar of events including the National Cross Country Championships, National Trials, and National Championships.
The ultimate goal is to use Namboole as the launchpad for Ugandan athletes aiming to qualify for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
UAF is also eager to host regional and international competitions at Namboole, providing valuable experience for Ugandan athletes on home soil.
“With Namboole ready, we can focus on nurturing talent and ensuring our athletes qualify for international events right here at home,” Otuchet emphasized.