Ready for 2026 Qualifiers
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially authorized the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) to host international matches at Mandela National Stadium, also known as Namboole. This approval marks a significant development for Uganda Cranes, who will now play their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier matches against Botswana and Algeria on home soil in June. The decision underscores Namboole’s compliance with international standards, promising an electrifying atmosphere as the Uganda Cranes return to a familiar venue.
Since March this year, the Uganda Cranes have been without a fixed home venue. They had been playing at St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende after Mandela National Stadium, their official ground, was disqualified by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 2020 due to insufficient facilities. The issues at Mandela included substandard conditions of the pitch, toilets, pavilion, and dressing rooms. To address these deficiencies, the government, in February 2022, entrusted the UPDF Engineering Brigade with a comprehensive renovation project.
Meanwhile, St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende, privately owned by Lawrence Mulindwa, served as a temporary refuge for the national team. However, it too was ruled out by CAF in 2021 over concerns related to safety and security control, leaving the Uganda Cranes in a precarious position regarding a home venue for their international fixtures.