Kampala, Uganda: State Minister for Education and Sports (Sports), Peter Ogwang Ogwang, has unveiled a new artistic impression of the renovated Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, offering Ugandans a first glimpse of how the country’s premier football venue is expected to look ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The unveiling marks another milestone in Uganda’s preparations for AFCON 2027, which the country will co-host alongside Kenya and Tanzania from June 16 to July 19, 2027, in what will be the first time East Africa stages Africa’s biggest football tournament.
Sharing the design on his official X account on Thursday, Ogwang reaffirmed government’s commitment to delivering world-class sporting infrastructure in time for the tournament.
“Mandela National Stadium Namboole is among the host stadiums for AFCON 2027. Currently, the stadium is under renovation by the UPDF Engineering Brigade,” Ogwang posted.
The newly released render showcases a modernized stadium featuring a striking circular design, a wave-shaped white roof canopy and a colourful exterior façade adorned with geometric patterns in Uganda’s national colours.
The upgraded facility is expected to significantly transform the appearance and functionality of Namboole, which has served as Uganda’s principal sports venue for more than two decades.
Multi-Billion Upgrade
Government officials estimate that the second phase of renovation works at Namboole will cost approximately $60 million (about Shs220 billion).
The ongoing works are expected to increase the stadium’s seating capacity by about 8,000 seats while introducing major upgrades to media facilities, accessibility infrastructure, hospitality areas, spectator amenities, and safety systems required under Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulations.
Once completed, the total investment in Namboole, including the first phase of renovations, is expected to approach $85 million.
The redevelopment forms part of Uganda’s wider strategy to ensure its designated AFCON venues meet international standards before CAF’s final assessments.
Race Against Time
The unveiling comes amid intensified construction activities at Uganda’s designated AFCON venues.
The government has repeatedly expressed confidence that the UPDF Engineering Brigade will complete the Namboole project within the required timelines despite concerns raised during previous CAF inspection visits.
Football fans who reacted to the artistic impression largely welcomed the ambitious design, with many praising the proposed transformation of the stadium.
Others, however, called on government to provide regular progress updates and ensure the final structure closely matches the concept released to the public.
The Namboole announcement follows a recent inspection by CAF officials at Hoima City Stadium, another key venue earmarked for AFCON 2027.
Following the inspection, Ogwang dismissed fears that Uganda could miss crucial deadlines and maintained that the country remains on track.
“We are coming back on August 31 to carry out the last inspection to this facility. I want to assure the people of Uganda that we are here for a purpose, and that is to deliver AFCON 2027 as directed by the President,” Ogwang said.
The minister further revealed that all outstanding works at Hoima City Stadium are expected to be completed by December 31, 2026.
CAF inspectors had identified areas requiring improvement, including dressing rooms, media facilities, VIP sections, access routes and crowd movement systems.
However, Ogwang insisted the issues raised were manageable. “We met the standards. It is compulsory and we are going to meet all the standards that were identified,” he said.
Akii-Bua Stadium also Nearing Completion
Beyond Namboole and Hoima, construction is also progressing steadily at Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City.
The facility, which forms part of Uganda’s broader sports infrastructure development programme, has reportedly reached approximately 80 percent completion.
Major structural works, including the seating bowl, concrete framework and main grandstands, have already been completed.
Construction crews are currently installing the stadium’s 30,000-square-metre steel roof structure while work continues on the drainage system, media centre, athlete hostel, VVIP facilities, clubhouse and perimeter fencing.
Contractor SAMCO National Construction Company is targeting completion and handover of the stadium by December 2026.
AFCON Legacy
Uganda’s hosting rights for AFCON 2027 are expected to leave a lasting legacy through improved sports infrastructure, tourism growth, job creation and increased international visibility.
The tournament will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania under the East African “Pamoja Bid,” which defeated competing bids to secure hosting rights.
For Uganda, the successful completion of Namboole, Hoima City Stadium and Akii-Bua Stadium is viewed as critical not only for AFCON 2027 but also for the long-term development of sport in the country.
With less than a year before CAF’s final preparations intensify, the unveiling of the new Namboole design signals government’s determination to deliver facilities capable of hosting Africa’s biggest football stars and thousands of fans from across the continent.
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