Mandela National Stadium, popularly known as Namboole, has officially shut its gates once again to pave the way for the third and most ambitious phase of renovations. This latest upgrade is set to transform Uganda’s largest sporting facility into a modern, world-class arena.
The works will expand the stadium’s seating capacity from just over 40,000 to an impressive 60,000. Plans also include a state-of-the-art hotel, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a modern indoor multi-purpose arena, and a fully covered roof. The VIP section will be significantly upgraded to host up to nine heads of state, while the dressing rooms will be relocated to the western wing. New media centres and mixed zones are also part of the facelift.
This expansion comes as Uganda, together with Kenya and Tanzania, prepares to co-host the prestigious AFCON PAMOJA 2027 tournament.
Turkish construction giant MS Summa, the same firm building the new Hoima City Stadium—expected to be delivered by December—has been contracted for this crucial phase. The company boasts a proven track record, having completed the Kigali Arena in 2019, East Africa’s largest indoor stadium, with a capacity of 10,000 seats.
Earlier phases of the Namboole facelift were handled by the UPDF Engineering Brigade, focusing mainly on refurbishing lounges and carrying out preliminary structural works. But this third stage is expected to fully modernise the facility, aligning it with international football and athletics standards.
MS Summa has also introduced a flexible financing model that allows Uganda to cover only 50% of the costs upfront, easing the country’s fiscal burden while ensuring timely delivery.
When complete, the revamped Mandela National Stadium will not only be the crown jewel for AFCON 2027 but also a multi-purpose hub capable of hosting top-tier global events. The project signals Uganda’s determination to raise its sporting infrastructure to international levels and give both athletes and fans an unforgettable experience.
