David GOMBE
The comprehensive refurbishment of Uganda’s biggest Stadium, Mandela National Stadium, popularly known as Namboole Stadium, is nearing completion.
Last week, the leveling and grass planting exercise at the 42,000 seater capacity Stadium was completed.
The refurbishing of the Stadium is being done by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) engineering brigade.
The installation of seats in the stands was also completed and now renovations are ongoing on the floodlights and changing rooms.
The Shs97 billion rehabilitation project commenced in 2022 and has met a number of challenges such as land wrangles and delayed delivery of supplies, among others.
It should be noted that in July this year, the Minister of Education and Sports, Ms Janet Museveni revealed that the renovation process at facility will be completed by November 30th, 2023.
Mandela National Stadium had been temporarily closed in 2019 for renovations since it was not ready to host any matches including international games.
During that time, Uganda has faced a challenge of hosting international matches with AFCON 2023 games against Tanzania and Niger hosted in Egypt and Morocco respectively.
The latest development on the renovation process will save the country’s funds which have been spent to host home national team matches in other countries.
It is also significant step in the country’s preparations to co-host the continental showpiece in 2027 alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
Namboole is expected to be the host venue for Uganda’s Group G in the 2026 World Cup Qualifying matches against Botswana and Algeria next year in June.
