Wednesday, May 1
•BUL Vs Vipers – 4pm
•KCCA Vs SC Villa – 7pm
CAF has granted FUFA approval for a Test Match at Namboole Stadium as the Final Phase of reopening, marking an exciting development for Ugandans.
The stadium has been out of commission since 2020 due to substandard conditions, but extensive renovations by the UPDF Engineering Brigade, funded by a Sh97bn government allocation since 2022, have revitalized it.
The Federation has designated two UPL fixtures for this significant milestone: KCCA Vs SC Villa and BUL Vs SC Villa on Wednesday, May 1.
These test matches will provide CAF with insight into the progress of the ongoing renovation works, crucial for potential permission to host International games.
Since Namboole Stadium was closed for use, the Uganda Cranes have faced significant challenges.
Initially moving to St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende, they later had to seek venues outside the country due to CAF requirements, such as hosting Tanzania in Egypt and Algeria in Cameroon during the 2023 AFCON Qualifiers.
The upcoming World Cup qualifier games in June against Algeria and Botswana remain in doubt regarding their venue, pending the readiness of Namboole Stadium.
Parliament’s scrutiny of the Sh97bn allocated for the stadium’s renovation followed after CAF report revealed shortcomings, prompting the State Minister for Sport, Hon Peter Ogwang, to address concerns.
He clarified that Sh17bn of the funds was still pending release by Ministry if Finance, delaying the renovation works.
However, after the release of the remaining funds, the Engineering Brigade was tasked with completing the stadium within two weeks when Speaker Anita Among visited.
The Ministry of Education and Sports requested a reassessment by CAF for hosting World Cup qualifiers.
