State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang is confident that the renovation of Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, will be completed by 31 December 2026, despite delays that have pushed back the project several times.
Ogwang said the government remains on course to meet the latest deadline after inspecting the stadium on Sunday and witnessing what he described as significant progress by the UPDF Engineering Brigade.
Speaking during an interview on NBS Sport, Ogwang said much of the work has been taking place away from public view, particularly in areas of the stadium that are not easily accessible.
“I visited Namboole on Sunday, and for once, I went home and slept peacefully. The day I give you access, you’ll be shocked. What has been done down there, you won’t believe,” he said.
“By 31st December, Namboole will be ready,” he added.
Ogwang said major works on the stadium’s roof and exterior facade are also progressing, with both expected to be completed soon.
“We shall have a stadium cover and a facade soon. UPDF are silently doing the work down there, despite many people doubting their capacity,” he said.
The renovation of Namboole is a key part of Uganda’s preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Kenya and Tanzania.
The project, estimated to cost about USD60 million (approximately Shs225 billion), is intended to upgrade the stadium to meet international standards required to host matches during the continental tournament.
Renovation works began in February 2022 after the stadium was handed over to the UPDF Engineering Brigade. Although the facility had reopened at different stages to host major sporting events, including Uganda Cranes matches, the 2024 and 2025 Rugby Africa Cup tournaments and the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), it was later closed again to allow further works to continue.
The latest delays have partly been attributed to supply-chain challenges and late delivery of critical construction materials. However, the government insists that the December 31 completion deadline remains unchanged.
The ongoing works include increasing the stadium’s seating capacity from approximately 38,000 to 45,000, with plans to eventually raise it to 50,000.
The upgrade also includes a wave-shaped roof canopy, a new exterior facade featuring Uganda’s national colours, relocation of player dressing rooms to the western wing and construction of a modern media centre capable of accommodating more than 100 journalists.
The wider Namboole complex is also expected to receive additional facilities, including a modern hotel, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a multi-purpose indoor arena and expanded VIP and VVIP facilities.
While Namboole remains the country’s main focus, Ogwang said preparations for AFCON are also progressing at Hoima City Stadium.
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According to the minister, the stadium is now 99 per cent certified by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), with only a few outstanding requirements left.
“Hoima City Stadium is 99 per cent CAF-certified. There are just one or two things remaining, which we are also expected to finish very soon,” Ogwang said.
He added that Uganda Cranes are expected to use Hoima City Stadium for their 2027 AFCON qualifying matches, starting with the September fixtures.
Preparations are also underway at Kabalega International Airport in Hoima, which is expected to play a key role in supporting Uganda’s hosting responsibilities.
Ogwang said Shs186 billion has been earmarked for construction of the airport’s passenger terminal, with the procurement process already underway.
The government hopes the combined upgrades at Namboole, Hoima City Stadium and Kabalega International Airport will strengthen Uganda’s infrastructure ahead of the 2027 continental football tournament.
