Uganda to host upcoming World Cup qualifiers abroad again as Namboole isn't ready

Namboole Stadium is far from ready|COURTESY

Uganda to host upcoming World Cup qualifiers abroad again as Namboole isn't ready

Allan Damba • 12:43 - 11.04.2024

It was also disclosed that the stadium wouldn't be ready to play host to the world cup qualification matches against Botswana and Algeria slated for June 5 and 8, respectively.

In an interesting yet absurd turn of events, the Uganda Cranes are set to be forced into hosting the upcoming World Cup qualifier games outside the country, for the umpteenth time.

Parliament has revealed that continental football governing body CAF, stressed that the ongoing renovations by the UPDF Engineering brigade at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, is way below the desired standards.

Namboole Stadium|X

It was also disclosed that the stadium wouldn't be ready to play host to the world cup qualification matches against Botswana and Algeria slated for June 5 and 8, respectively.

“The inspection report has found the stadium works  are not compliant with the requirements and it hasn’t been approved," Opposition Chief Whip John Nambeshe was quoted by Parliament Watch on Thursday.

"The Minister had made an undertaking that by the time of inspection, the works will be ready, he has let us down and I would like the Minister to report to us what has gone amiss."

"More over these works, if we have an opportunity, if they can be expedited we can have a second chance because we don’t have another venue to host this FIFA World Cup United 2026 qualifiers."

Meanwhile, Shadow Minister of Sport Geofrey Kayemba Solo also re-stated that the national stadium, will not host the games.

Kayemba's statements contradict those of the State Minister for Sport, Peter Ogwang, who months back assured Ugandans to brace for action in June.

It should be noted that Ogwang has, time and again, postponed Namboole's reopening dates.

Over the past year, Uganda has hosted international matches in other countries, using Tanzania, Cameroon, Morocco, Algeria and Egypt on various occasions.