With the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations under six months away, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has tasked the UPDF Engineering Brigade to prioritize renovations at the 45,000-seat Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, vital for six matches including possible openers.
The venue, closed after a 2018 roof collapse and partially reopened in 2023, which still needs floodlights, seating, roofing, and media upgrades to meet CAF standards. Fans and experts voiced alarm over delays, while Akii-Bua Stadium in Lira progresses faster as Uganda’s backup site.
“As someone appointed by CAF to serve at multiple AFCON tournaments in the past, I am deeply concerned after watching this video on our preparations for AFCON 2027 in Uganda,”
as tasked the UPDF Engineering Brigade with expediting construction works at Namboole National Stadium to enable Uganda to host the 2027 AFCON tournament.
Sports Minister Peter Ogwanf however says government remains fully committed to delivering a successful AFCON 2027.
“We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that the required infrastructure, services, and support systems are completed within the agreed timelines,”Ogwang stated.
Zambale Bilasio Nansana Mp urged the government to prioritise the timely completion of all AFCON 2027 infrastructure and related facilities before CAF returns for inspection. Uganda should not wait until the last minute to address critical gaps, as this risks unnecessary embarrassment and could undermine our credibility as a host nation.
“We want to see that infrastructure build for AFCON 2027 serves Ugandans long after tournament through community access & proper maintenance,”he said.
Mandela National Stadium, commonly known as Namboole Stadium, is Uganda’s largest multi-purpose sports facility. Built in 1997 via a $36 million grant from China, the 45,000-seat venue is located on Namboole Hill in Bweyogerere, Wakiso District. It primarily hosts the Uganda Cranes national football team and major concerts
It was renamed to honor the late South African anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela. Locals refer to it as Namboole because of the hill it sits on.
The government is undertaking major renovations and capacity expansions through a partnership with the Ministry of Defence to meet international standards for major events
