This year or the next Uganda Cranes games? Minister Ogwang responds on Namboole opening

State Minister for Sport Peter Ogwang remained coy about whether the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, will be ready for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers slated for June.

Months back, Ogwang had assured Ugandans that the games against Botswana and Algeria on June 5 and 8, respectively will be hosted at Namboole.

But, following Shadow Minister Geofrey Kayemba Ssolo's contrasting views, Ogwang did not clarify the facility's readiness for the games.

Ogwang, however, stressed that Namboole will be ready for action this year without providing a specific timeline.

"Mandela National Stadium will be ready to host National Team (s) this year," he said on his official X handle.

Ogwang further outlined the progress of each section of the ongoing project.

"The drainage works for the pitch and running track are ongoing in preparation for the laying of the running track," he said.

"The dressing room works are going on. Two are complete," Ogwang disclosed.

"The VVIP seating area surface is being prepared (terrazzo) for installation of seats."

"Final touches on gangways in the spectator stands going on following completion of installation of spectator seats," he added.

"The access gates are now ready for the installation of turnstiles for electronic access control."

Deadlines for the completion of the Namboole Stadium have been pushed from November 30th, 2023, to later dates.

It isn't very certain on whether the Uganda Cranes will host Botswana and Algeria at the famous grounds.

Uganda has hosted games in Morocco, Cameroon, Algeria, Tanzania and Egypt for respective games over the past year.