Namboole renovations force Uganda Athletics to relocate competitions to UCU

Uganda Athletics (UA) has relocated all its remaining track and field competitions on the 2026 calendar to Uganda Christian University (UCU) in Mukono following the continued renovation works at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

The move is aimed at ensuring that athletes continue to access competitive opportunities as they prepare for major international championships later this year.

The first competition to be staged at UCU will be the annual Akii-Bua Memorial Meet, scheduled for June 13. The event is expected to attract some of Uganda’s leading athletes as well as emerging talents seeking to improve their performances ahead of international assignments.

Despite the venue change, Uganda Athletics remains confident that athletes will continue to achieve the required competition until the end of the season. So far, a number of elite and junior athletes have already secured qualification for major competitions, including the upcoming Commonwealth Games scheduled for July 23 to August 2 and the World Athletics Under-20 Championships due to take place in Oregon from August 5 to 9.

UA Publicity Secretary Namayo Mawerere said the federation had already conducted several qualifying events before the relocation, enabling many athletes to attain the necessary marks. However, he noted that the qualification window for the World Under-20 Championships remains open, hence Namboole closure will affect athletes who still had a chance to qualify or  improve their time.

He acknowledged that athletes might experience some differences competing at UCU compared to Namboole because the university facility does not have a tartan track.

"There is a difference between a tartan track and a cinder track, so you cannot directly compare performances. A tartan surface is generally faster, but UCU remains the second-best option available to us at the moment," he explained.

The qualification for the U20 World athletics championships ois set close in July. Thus the  relocation presents a temporary challenge for athletes chasing qualification standards. 

However, officials believe the shift will ensure continuity in competition and preparation as Uganda's athletes intensify their build-up to the Commonwealth Games and the World Under-20 Championships.