Mandela National Stadium widely known as Namboole Stadium is under construction again, but this time to meet continental standards and be ready for the big stage.
Managing Director Jamil Sewanyana says work on the second phase of renovations at Mandela National Stadium is already underway, with Uganda racing to meet Confederation of African Football requirements ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
A CAF inspection in February exposed several gaps, including concerns about the West Stand, roofing, and overall capacity.
But Sewanyana insists the solution is not demolition, but smart upgrades.
“We are not demolishing the main stand,” he said.
“We shall extend the front at sections 14, 15 and 16 and add levels for VVIP and VIP areas.”
The West Stand will become the stadium’s operational hub. Media facilities including the tribune, press rooms, and media centre will be moved there.
The tribune will have at least 350 seats, while the media centre will hold 100 workstations.
Dressing rooms will also shift from the East Stand to the West, in line with CAF standards.
Beyond structure, the stadium will improve safety and access. A modern CCTV system will monitor all areas, from entry to exit.
Dedicated gates and parking will be created for media, VVIPs, and persons with disabilities.
The upgrade will also give Namboole a new look, with a canopy and façade similar to Hoima City Stadium. Seating capacity will rise from 37,000 to about 45,000.
The work is being handled by the UPDF Engineering Brigade under a one-year contract ending February 2026.
Early works, including removal of old seats and wiring, have already started, and plans have been submitted to CAF.
With government committing $60 million, confirmed earlier by Peter Ogwang and Sewanyana is confident the timeline will be met.
