Pastor Joseph Serwadda was forced to make a last minute venue change for his annual “Passover” prayer event.
The prayer event which usually attracts tens of thousands to usher in the new year with prayer, was slated to take place at the Mandela National Stadium on December 31.
Pastor Serwadda and his followers at Victory Christian Center in Ndeeba were hoping to return to the big stadium for the first time in 5 years since it was closed for renovation.
However, early this week, the pastor was told the Passover prayers could not be held at the national stadium.
“Two days ago, I got the news on my phone that the Passover event would not be held at Namboole, and that we should find another venue” Serwadda told his congregants.
“We were told that the stadium was not open to us.”
Finding a new venue
The man of God expressed disappointment over the late communication by the stadium management.
He announced that the church has since secured a smaller venue at Kabaka's Lake in Ndeeba.
He said he got this 4.5 acre open space at the lake through a well wisher.
“We have already started preparing the venue and getting it ready for the event."
CAF recommendations
While speculation has been rife with some of the followers claiming Serwadda was “being punished” for his recent anti-government comments, it has been revealed that Namboole was closed off for events on the directive of the Confederation of African Football (CAF)/
The CAF President was in Uganda last week with his team to assess the country’s readiness to host the African Nations Championships (CHAN).
Some of the games will be held in Namboole from February 1-28, 2025.
President Motsepe was impressed with the upgrades at the stadium, he directed for more improvement to be made including faster growth of the grass on the main pitch.
The CAF team also recommended additional floodlights in the stadium.