Mandela National Stadium Namboole Managing Director Jamil Sewanyana has confirmed that the second phase of renovations at the stadium is already underway as Uganda pushes to meet CAF standards ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Namboole, alongside Hoima City Stadium, is one of the two venues Uganda has earmarked to host matches during AFCON 2027.
However, a CAF inspection report released in February highlighted several compliance gaps, indicating that the stadium still falls below the required hosting standards.
Among the concerns raised were the need for partial demolition of the West Stand, structural expansion, and roof replacement.
However, CAF noted that the initial 15-month construction timeline would not align with AFCON 2027 delivery requirements, recommending that Uganda maximize use of the existing structural frame to reduce construction time and target completion by December 2026.
Sewanyana said the ongoing second phase of works is specifically aimed at addressing the issues raised in the CAF report.
He explained that one of the focus is on relocating media facilities, including the media tribune, press conference rooms, and media centre, to the West Stand, which is the main stand.
“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,” Sewanyana said.
He added that the upgraded media tribune will meet CAF’s recommendation of at least 350 seats, while the media centre will be designed to accommodate 100 workstations.
“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,” he noted.
The renovations will also include installation of a modern CCTV surveillance system capable of monitoring all sections of the stadium, from entry points to seating areas and exits.
“CCTV cameras must capture all angles of the stadium from when fans enter, to sitting before leaving,” Sewanyana said.
He also revealed that the stadium will have improved access systems with dedicated entry gates and parking spaces for the media, VVIP guests, and persons with disabilities.
“The next issue is about improving access. We have to put in place dedicated access gates including that for the media and their parking as well, and the same for VVIP and people with disabilities,” he added.
In addition, Namboole will receive a new canopy and facade similar to the design at Hoima City Stadium.
The second phase of redevelopment will also increase the stadium’s seating capacity by approximately 8,000 seats, raising it from 37,000 to 45,000.
The renovations are being undertaken by the UPDF Engineering Brigade under a one-year contract running from February 2025 to February 2026.
Sewanyana said the contractor has already started decommissioning works, including removing old wires and seats, while designs and the work plan have been submitted to CAF for approval.
“The work to renovate Namboole is already underway. The contractor has started decommissioning, removing wires and seats as they also plan to do some small breaks,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the stadium will be completed in time for the continental showpiece.
Sports Minister Peter Ogwang had earlier confirmed that government approved 60 million US dollars, approximately Shs225 billion, for Phase Two of the redevelopment of the stadium.
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