The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has given the green light to the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) to host international matches at the recently-refurbished Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, the country’s soccer governing body announced.
According to FUFA, the good news was received in a letter dated May 12, 2024 addressed to FUFA Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson. In the letter, CAF confirmed they were satisfied with the new developments at the stadium.
“Reference to participation of your team in the FIFA World Cup United 2026 African Qualifiers matchday 3&4, following reinspection of the Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) conducted by CAF inspectors, we acknowledge the improvements undertaken in various facilities in accordance with previous remarks from CAF,” reads part of the letter.
“We commend the stadium management and your Association for your concerted efforts.”
The East African country’s Uganda Cranes team will host Botswana on June 7 and Algeria on 10th June 10 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
According to FUFA, Uganda Cranes last played at Namboole on November 17, 2019 against Malawi, a game that ended in a 2-0 win courtesy of Emmanuel Okwi and Fahad Bayo goals.
Peter Ogwang, the junior education and sports minister thanked President Yoweri Museveni for his visionary leadership after okaying the rehabilitation of the stadium.
“I want to thank everyone who has been part of the journey to ensure that Mandela National Stadium, Namboole is renovated and ready to host matches again,” Ogwang said.
“I want to thank CAF for giving us a second chance for pre-inspection and finally, clearing the stadium for use. Thank you H.E. the President, Minister of Education and Sports, Parliament, the contractor-UPDF Engineering Brigade and the Consultant, Ministry of Works for all the dedication and support,” the minister added.
Ogwang said the government was committed to continue building more and more sports infrastructure in the short and medium term.
“To the public, let’s again fill up the stadium in June for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers,” he said.