AFCON 2027 Preparations Gather Pace as Sports Council Sets Date for Namboole Upgrades

Uganda's preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations are gaining momentum, with significant infrastructure projects across the nation beginning to take shape.

While Hoima City Stadium is complete and construction is underway in Lira, the focus has shifted back to the iconic Mandela National Stadium, commonly known as Namboole. The venue, which was closed in September 2025, is finally scheduled for its much-needed upgrade.

Dr. Patrick Bernard Ogwel, the General Secretary of the National Council of Sports (NCS), confirmed on Saturday that renovation work at Namboole will commence in February.

"Once all preparations are concluded, the upgrade works at Namboole will start in February," Ogwel stated. "The funding will be released in phases, but we are confident the stadium will be ready in time for AFCON 2027."

This announcement was made during a high-level consultative meeting involving senior sports administrators and technical experts.

The gathering was organised to solicit proposals as the government, through the Ministry of Education and Sports and the NCS, works to implement the National Sports Facilities Regulations.

During the meeting, George Wagogo, a sports tutor at Kyambogo University and president of the Association of Uganda University Sport, voiced serious concerns about the persistent issue of poor facility maintenance in the country.

Wagogo also criticised the appointment of unqualified personnel to manage sports venues and the practice of hosting non-sporting events like concerts and crusades in major stadiums.

Namboole was highlighted as a prime example of how years of mismanagement led to its decertification, compelling Uganda to play international home games in other countries.

As Uganda finalises its strategy to successfully host the Pamoja AFCON 2027, the task force is continuing to accept submissions. Stakeholders have been given a one-week window to present their ideas to the National Council of Sports.