UPL: Why BUL FC are scrambling for new home ground amid Njeru renovations

UPL: Why BUL FC are scrambling for new home ground amid Njeru renovations

Festus Chuma 18:26 - 19.02.2025

FUFA have commenced renovations at Njeru, forcing BUL FC to seek a temporary home as they navigate crucial league and cup fixtures.

One-time Uganda Cup winners BUL FC are facing a stadium dilemma as their usual home ground, the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, undergoes renovations.

The Jinja-based club, which recently returned to Njeru after playing its first-round fixtures at Lugazi Stadium in Najjembe, is now searching for an alternative venue for upcoming matches.

The stadium is currently being upgraded with a new artificial turf, a move that has forced BUL FC to reconsider its matchday plans.

The club played its only match at Njeru this season last Sunday, securing a convincing 3-0 victory over Mbale Heroes.

However, with renovation works now underway, the team must identify a temporary home ground to host its matches in both the Uganda Premier League and the Stanbic Uganda Cup.

“The refurbishment at Njeru is expected to take approximately two weeks, ensuring the venue should be ready for BUL FC’s home league fixture against Kitara on March 7, 2025,” Pan African Football reported.

With that timeline in mind, BUL FC has arranged to host Bugoiga Leopards in the Stanbic Uganda Cup at Gaddafi Arena in Jinja on Monday, February 24, 2025.

However, should the renovations at Njeru face unexpected delays beyond the scheduled Kitara fixture, the club will be forced to explore other alternatives.

Hamz Stadium and Nakivubo Stadium in Kampala have emerged as potential options since no other stadium in Jinja currently meets FUFA’s requirements for hosting top-flight matches.

A BUL FC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized the importance of a proper playing surface for the club’s success.

“Njeru has been a fortress for us, and it’s unfortunate that we have to move. However, we support the renovations because they are crucial for the long-term development of the stadium. The challenge now is finding a venue that offers a good pitch and meets FUFA’s standards,” the official said.

Despite the inconvenience, BUL FC remains optimistic about maintaining its impressive form in the league. The team is currently in a strong position in the Uganda Premier League standings, and the club’s management is working tirelessly to ensure that the stadium switch does not negatively impact the players’ performance.

Fans, meanwhile, have expressed mixed reactions to the temporary relocation. While some understand the necessity of the renovations, others are concerned about the impact on the club’s home advantage.

“I hope this doesn’t affect our momentum. Playing in Jinja gives us a special kind of support, and moving to another district might not be ideal,” said BUL FC supporter Moses Wakabi.

However, FUFA has reassured both the club and its supporters that the renovation works are on track and will significantly improve the playing conditions at Njeru.

“The installation of artificial turf is an important step in improving football infrastructure in Uganda. BUL FC and other teams using the facility will benefit in the long run,” a FUFA official stated.

With the Kitara fixture on March 7, 2025, marked as the target date for Njeru’s reopening, BUL FC is hopeful that their stadium woes will be short-lived.

Until then, their performances at alternative venues will be closely watched as they strive to keep their league campaign on track.

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