By URN
The Uganda Athletics Federation-UAF is struggling to find a venue for the second National Track Trials.
The first track trials, which were scheduled for March 2nd were canceled due to the ongoing renovation of Namboole Stadium. These trials often attract more than 200 athletes from different athletics clubs.
The tartan inside Namboole can barely accommodate any sporting activity. Renovation works that are under the UPDF Engineering Brigade are expected to be accomplished in June, according to Lt. Col Peter Kidemuka, the Project Engineer.
However, the second national trial, planned for March 18, remains uncertain as the Federation sweats over a venue. Â This poses a threat to Uganda’s athletes, who may have to finance their participation in world athletics-recognized championships outside Uganda if they are to achieve good times.
The only available options are the Uganda Christian University pitch which the UAF used in 2021 for the trials, the Makerere University pitch, and Kyambogo.
However, UAF President Dominic Otuchet expressed concerns that UCU’s pitch is solely made of marram, while Makerere and Kyambogo have grass surfaces that may not meet the required standards for athletes to test their speed, endurance, and fitness to attain the standard qualifying marks for world athletics.
Additionally, Otuchet said while Taryet higher altitude in Kapchorwa could have been an alternative venue, it would not be suitable for sprinters who cannot train at higher altitudes. He explained while such conditions can favor long-distance runners, it would not be conducive for sprinters to achieve good times.
Otuchet said, the Federation has already requested the management of Namboole together with the contractors to avail the outside training pitch which is typically used for warm-ups but has a tartan to help the athletes.
