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Former 800m world champion Halimah Nakaayi has praised the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) civil engineers brigade for their excellent work in renovating Namboole Stadium, particularly the athletics track yesterday 23^rd October 2024.

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) civil engineering brigade has received accolades from former 800m world champion Halimah Nakaayi for their outstanding job yesterday, October 23, 2024, in upgrading Namboole Stadium, especially the athletics track.

Nakaayi, who visited the stadium to inspect the newly refurbished track, expressed her joy at seeing the facility upgraded to world standards.

She emphasized that the renovation will allow Ugandan athletes to train more efficiently at home, reducing the need for international training camps.

Nakaayi was particularly pleased with the inclusion of facilities for various athletics disciplines such as long jump, javelin, shot put, and discus throw, which previously lacked proper infrastructure in Uganda.

“This will increase the chances for Ugandans to qualify for events and win medals in these disciplines,” she remarked.

She also commended the UPDF for maintaining the stadium’s cleanliness, especially the efforts to prevent bird droppings from affecting the facility’s appearance—an issue that had plagued the stadium in the past.

Lt. Col. Peter Kidemuka, the project manager, was thrilled to host Nakaayi and thanked her for her endorsement of the facility. He noted the challenges they faced in maintaining the stadium, including addressing issues with bird control, which were resolved by enforcing waste disposal rules at the nearby Bweyogerere market.

The first phase of the stadium’s redevelopment, which cost UGX 97 billion, is complete. The second phase is expected to include the construction of an Olympic-size swimming pool, a mini-indoor arena, and the enclosure of the stadium.