David GOMBE
Jamil Sewanyana, the Managing Director at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole has confirmed that the renovations at the facility are underway as Uganda.
The Stadium along with the newly constructed Hoima Stadium will be used by Uganda during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations tournament that will be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
In February, the CAF inspection team in a report released February revealed that the host nations were not ready and the stadiums were still below the Standards to stage such a major tournament.
About Namboole, CAF called for the demolition of the West Stand, structural expansion, and roof replacement.
While addressing the media during the CAF workshop in Kampala, Ssewanyana stated that they are working on media tribune, press conference rooms, and media centre as well as the dressing rooms.
“What we are going to do with the main stand is that we are not demolishing the structure. All the stands will remain intact. However, we are going to do an extension at the main entrance, at sections 14, 15 and 16. We shall extend the building to the front and then construct all levels including VVIP and VIP lounges.”
“The areas which CAF highlighted include changing the dressing rooms from the East Stand to the West Stand. That is also with the media tribune and media facility, and it has to reach the required standards,” Said Sewanyana
According to Sewanyana modern CCTV surveillance system capable of monitoring all sections of the stadium, from entry points to seating areas and exits will also be installed at the facility.
There will also be improved access systems with dedicated entry gates and parking spaces for the media, VVIP guests, and persons with disabilities.
The renovated Namboole will also have a new canopy and facade similar to the design at Hoima City Stadium.
The UPDF Engineering Brigade is conducting the renovations that will cost 60 million US dollars, approximately Shs225 billion.
