Renovation works at Nelson Mandela National Stadium Namboole are set to enter their third phase following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
The UPDF Engineering Brigade, which executed the first phase of upgrades at a cost of Sh97 billion, will once again oversee the works under the Defence Ministry.
The second phase will focus on expanding the stadium’s seating capacity to 45,000, alongside structural and functional improvements intended to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards.
Planned works include relocating the media centre, redesigning players’ dressing rooms, and refurbishing VIP areas.
Officials expect construction to be completed within 12 months, aligning with preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Uganda is set to co-host.
Permanent Secretary at the Education and Sports Ministry, Kedrace Turyagyenda, confirmed the project will cost Sh284.576 billion and emphasized the urgency of timely delivery.
“I expect them (UPDF) to do the work in excellence and also in a timely manner because we don’t have the luxury of extensions. I have no doubt about what they can do; they always fulfill once they are committed to a cause,” she said.
The renovation is part of Uganda’s broader infrastructure commitments ahead of Africa Cup of Nations 2027, which will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football, recently reaffirmed the hosting rights for the three nations despite concerns about readiness.
Under Secretary for Logistics at the Defence Ministry, Francis Ngabirano Kahiriita, described the project as regionally significant.
“We are also aware that this is a matter of regional importance. The other partners are also busy and making their steps and will be happy to know that we are doing our part of the race. We will do our best to deliver quality and in the time and budget as expected,” he said.
Once completed, the upgraded Namboole Stadium is expected to serve as a key venue for AFCON 2027 matches and other international sporting events.
