Athletics action will after all switch to Uganda Christian Varsity running track after closure of the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, for renovation.
The World Athletics (WA) high rated Akii Bua Memorial Track and Field Meet and the National Championships, the biggest event on the Uganda Athletics (UA) calendar will now be staged at the Mukono UCU cinder track on June 13, 2026 and June 26-27, 2026 respectively.
This is s a big setback to many athletes who are set to qualify for the U20 World Championships due August 4-9, 2026 in Eugene, USA.
The switch of venue no doubt is expected to dampen the morale of most athletes who were also targeting upping their World Rankings.
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 but UA is tirelessly working on fixing an electronic timer without which their performances will not earn WA recognition.
For distance athletes, have many options including qualification on the road which isn’t the same for sprinters and middle distance runners who depend on mainly tartan to qualify for international competitions.
