Mandela National Stadium, Namboole is taking shape ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with the government unveiling how the upgraded facility will look once the ongoing renovation is completed.
Minister of State for Sports Peter Ogwang shared an artistic impression of the revamped stadium, which is one of the venues selected to host matches during the 2027 AFCON tournament that Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.
The stadium is currently undergoing extensive redevelopment by the UPDF Engineering Brigade as part of preparations for the continental showpiece.
The second phase of the project, estimated to cost $60 million (about Shs225 billion), will transform Namboole into a modern sports complex. Seating capacity will increase from just over 40,000 to more than 50,000 spectators.
The upgrade will also include the construction of a modern hotel, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a multi-purpose indoor arena, and the installation of a fully covered roof over the stadium.
The VIP section will be expanded to accommodate up to nine heads of state, while the players’ dressing rooms will be relocated to the western wing. New media centres and mixed zones will also be added to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards.
All construction works are expected to be completed before CAF’s next inspection in August 2026, with Ugandan officials expressing confidence that the country will be ready to successfully co-host the 2027 AFCON alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
