Athletics Events Moved to UCU Track After Namboole Closure

By Peterson Delacream.

Uganda’s biggest athletics competitions have been moved from Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, to the Uganda Christian University (UCU) track in Mukono following the closure of the national stadium for renovation works.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Uganda Athletics (UA) confirmed that the Akii-Bua Memorial Track and Field Meet and the National Championships will now be staged at the UCU cinder track.

The Akii-Bua Memorial Meet is scheduled for June 13, while the National Championships will take place on June 26 and 27.

“This is a big setback to many athletes who are set to qualify for the U20 World Championships due August 4-9, 2026 in Eugene, USA,” Uganda Athletics Publicity Secretary Namayo Mawerere said in a press release.

The change of venue comes as a major blow to athletes targeting qualification standards and improved world rankings ahead of international competitions.

Athletes had hoped to compete on Namboole’s tartan surface, which offers ideal conditions for fast times and supports the use of electronic timing systems recognized by World Athletics.

“The switch of venue no doubt is expected to dampen the morale of most athletes who were also targeting upping their World Rankings,” Mawerere noted.

The UCU facility, unlike Namboole, features a cinder track, a surface generally considered slower than synthetic tartan tracks.

According to Mawerere, sprinters are likely to be the most affected by the development.

“Namboole tartan facility aids the use of electronic timer and runners post faster times on the tartan surface as opposed to the cinder track. Sprinters in particular are to nurse the biggest pain by the switch,” she said.

Uganda Athletics, however, says efforts are underway to ensure performances recorded at the competitions meet international standards.

Mawerere revealed that the federation is working to secure electronic timing equipment for the events.

“UA is tirelessly working on fixing an electronic timer without which their performances will not earn World Athletics recognition,” she said.

While sprinters and middle-distance runners face significant challenges, distance athletes may still have alternative pathways to qualification through road races.

“For distance athletes, they have many options including qualification on the road, which isn’t the same for sprinters and middle-distance runners who depend mainly on tartan to qualify for international competitions,” Mawerere explained.

Despite the setback, the Akii-Bua Memorial Meet and National Championships remain the flagship events on Uganda Athletics’ calendar and are expected to attract the country’s leading athletes as they continue preparations for regional and global competitions later this year.