Namboole Stadium Set for Stunning Overhaul as Uganda Prepares for AFCON 2027

Mandela National Stadium, affectionately known as Namboole, is in the midst of a significant renovation, with a striking new look emerging as Uganda prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The ambitious project, which aims to bring the stadium up to the stringent standards set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, faced initial hurdles.

According to Daily Monitor, sources close to the project revealed that early delays were partly due to the complex and risky task of demolishing structural columns that had supported the venue since its construction in the 1990s.

"The columns had to come down, and there were constant fears that if any mistakes were made, there would be loss of lives," a source explained. "Some contractors were asking for six months just to break those columns."

The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade was awarded the Shs248 billion contract in March to spearhead the remodelling.

Despite the challenges, the project has progressed rapidly. "The UPDF Engineering Brigade has done tremendous work in a very short time," the source added.

Initially, CAF had advised against a complete teardown due to time constraints, recommending that renovations be worked into the existing structure.

However, the scope of the project, which includes expanding seating capacity, upgrading VIP and VVIP areas with skyboxes, and relocating media and dressing rooms, necessitated more drastic measures.

The renovated Namboole will feature a modern facade, replacing the old concrete exterior with a dynamic circular shell adorned with black, yellow, and red geometric patterns. A sweeping, wave-shaped roof canopy will cover the upper perimeter.

Inside, the main stand is being transformed into a six-story complex designed for a world-class spectator and operational experience.

The ground floor will serve as the stadium's hub, featuring a press conference room, medical centre, referee rooms, a museum, four dressing rooms, broadcast studios, and an indoor warm-up area. It will also have separate entrances for VVIPs, VIPs, players, and the media.

The player facilities are also receiving a major upgrade, with new massage rooms, ice baths, and recovery pools. The stadium's seating capacity will be increased, supported by an expanded concourse with more restrooms and wider entry points. Up to eight gates will be installed to improve crowd flow.

First Floor: Hospitality suites and VIP lounges.

Second Floor: A dedicated media centre and tribune.

Third Floor: Additional VIP lounges, hospitality areas, and 24 private skyboxes.

Fourth Floor: The exclusive Presidential lounge.

Fifth & Sixth Floors: The Venue Operations Centre and control rooms.

To meet compliance standards, the design ensures complete separation of spectator groups. The plan also includes temporary parking for 2,000 vehicles and a helipad for medical evacuations and swift transport for dignitaries between host cities.

The Namboole renovation is part of a broader effort to upgrade sports infrastructure across the country ahead of AFCON 2027, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.

Lt. Col. Peter Seku Kidemuka, the AFCON project manager for the UPDF Engineering Brigade, reported that the Namboole project is approximately 45% complete.

He also provided updates on other training grounds being developed:

Kampala Cluster: Makerere University (65% complete), Kyambogo University (90% complete).

Hoima Cluster: Hoima Booma Grounds (50% complete), Masindi King George Stadium (25% complete).

Lira/Gulu Cluster: Pece Memorial Stadium (45% complete), Gulu University (22% complete), Lira University (27% complete).

The initial phase of the project, which cost Shs97 billion, was intended to prepare the stadium for the African Nations Championship (CHAN). This current, more extensive phase is focused on meeting the top-tier requirements for hosting Africa's most prestigious football tournament.