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Government invested up to UGX 97 billion (USD 25.6 million) in the first phase, which has now taken over a year to complete, and is expected to run at least until June 1, according to Ogwang.
State minister for Sport Hon. Peter Ogwang has delivered an update on the huge redevelopment project of the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, saying that government will seek a further to UGX 190 billion (USD 50 million) to complete the project.
Currently, the UPDF Engineering brigade is handling phase one of the project that is expected to be completed over three phases since it was commissioned in February 2022.
Government invested up to UGX 97 billion (USD 25.6 million) in the first phase, which has now taken over a year to complete, and is expected to run at least until June 1, according to Ogwang.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament recently, Ogwang reassured the nation that Uganda’s next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Algeria in June, will be played at the Mandela National Stadium.
This follow general public concern over the failure for Uganda to have a stadium accredited to the standards of African football governing body, CAF.
The situation forced the Uganda Cranes to host their recent qualifier against Tanzania at a neutral ground, 4000 km away in Ismailia, Egypt, which cost the nation around UGX 7.7 million per minute, and also saw the Cranes lose 1-0 to neighbours Tanzania.
The works to be completed over the first phase of the project will see the stadium reopened for use, but Ogwang says government initiative is to see the stadium developed up to international stadium.
Ogwang also insists that the next two phases which are being projected to cost UGX 85 billion () and UGX 107 billion () respectively will also include development of several sports discipline facilities.
“The first phase has seen an investment of UGX 97 billion, and when the works for that project is done, we shall reopen the stadium for use,” Ogwang told Pulse Sports.
“But this is a multi-sports discipline stadium, so we shall implement two other phases that will put it at international standards.”
“For example, for the second phase, government is willing to invest UGX 85 billion to improve other facilities around Namboole,” he explained.
“There are also plans to have the third phase which is currently budgeted to cost around UGX 105 billion for the whole redevelopment project to be complete.”
“Why is the government doing that, it is because part of the commitment of the government towards driving sports development in the country,” Ogwang said.
It is unclear what specific facilities will be improved or constructed for the second and third phases of the project.
Under the current works, a 4.2km perimeter wall valued at UGX 3.8 billion () has been erected to secure the land on which the facility seats from encroachment.
There has been an upgrade on the general public stands which has seen installation of up to 40,000 seats in the general stands.
The stadium will also get a new hybrid playing surface and improvement on the pitch drainage system, with a UK based consultancy firm hired to handle its installation.
There will be up to four dressing rooms set up at the stadium, with further renovations carried out to improve the plumbing system.
The Media and VVIP section will also get a face lift, with desks expected to be installed in the media centre, while the VVIP section will have air conditioning.
A modern LED scoreboard will be set up as well as an upgrade on the floodlights, while there will be improvements on the facilities at the stadium’s hotel.
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