After years of delays and uncertainty, athletics has finally returned to Mandela National Stadium, with the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) hosting its first National Athletics Trials at the newly renovated facility.
This historic event marks the first major track and field competition at Namboole since renovations began in 2019 and comes as part of UAF’s centenary celebrations.
The stadium, which underwent a massive 97 billion Uganda Shillings facelift under the UPDF Engineering Brigade, was primarily being prepared for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
However, its world-class tartan track is now officially back in use, with 286 athletes from Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania competing in various track and field events, including sprints, middle and long-distance races, long jump, triple jump, shot put, javelin throw, and discus throw.
Among the standout performers was Uganda’s 2019 World Champion Halimah Nakaayi, who dominated the 800m by nearly 200 meters.
She lauded the upgraded track, comparing it to the one used at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon, USA, and urged Ugandan athletes to capitalize on this top-tier facility.
Kenyan sprinter Wiseman Were, who competed in the 400m, also praised the stadium, remarking that “this is the kind of stadium Kenyans are still dreaming of.”
Hon. Benard Oneni Odoi Mutusa, the Eastern Region Youth MP and guest of honor at the event, described Namboole as “the best stadium in East Africa,” emphasizing its importance in shaping future champions.
This competition was initially supposed to be preceded by the National Over Distance Meet on February 15, but that event was postponed due to a scheduling conflict with the Vision Group Harvest Money Exposition.
The trials now officially reopen Namboole to athletics, with the stadium expected to host more national and international events in the coming months.
