By Ronald Ocweo
In April 2020, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) banned Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, from hosting international matches due to its substandard conditions.
The issues included poor dressing rooms, the lack of a standard training pitch, a deteriorating main pitch, and the absence of adequate seating, among other required amenities for a standard stadium.
In response, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade was tasked with renovating the stadium.
The government allocated 97 billion shillings for the project, divided into three phases.
The first phase involved securing the 128-acre stadium land, evicting encroachers, and installing a perimeter fence.
The second phase focused on upgrading the stadium to meet international standards, covering electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering work.
The final phase involved finishing touches, such as planting grass, installing a public address system, fitting seats, and completing electrical and plumbing installations.
With most of these upgrades completed, the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA), in consultation with CAF, organized test matches at the stadium to assess its readiness for international competitions.
Two title-deciding matches from the StarTimes Uganda Premier League—BUL vs. Vipers and KCCA FC vs. SC Villa—were held, drawing large crowds, especially the latter fixture.
In May 2024, Mandela National Stadium was cleared to host international matches. Uganda Cranes played their June doubleheader at the stadium, beating Botswana 1-0 and losing 2-1 to Algeria.
Reflecting on his experience, Uganda Cranes fan Ojok Emmanuel said, “It was my first time there, and it was different from other Ugandan stadiums like Lugogo and St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende. The facility was better, but the service in the ordinary stands was poor, especially when trying to get snacks or drinks at halftime. However, the toilets were clean and well-maintained.”
Namboole has now re-emerged as a top-tier venue, hosting not only Uganda’s home matches but also serving as the home ground for other African national teams.
Kenya and Zimbabwe used the stadium for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, including a goalless draw between the two sides on September 6, 2024.
Zimbabwe is set to remain at the stadium to host Cameroon on September 10, following Uganda’s match against the Republic of Congo on September 9.
The reopening of Mandela National Stadium has ended Uganda’s need to play its home games abroad in countries like Morocco, Egypt, and Cameroon.
It has also become a hub for other African nations, showcasing the benefits of having world-class sports facilities.
As Uganda gears up to co-host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) from February 1-28, 2025, alongside Tanzania and Kenya, further improvements are expected to ensure a seamless experience for participating teams.
Upcoming Fixtures
Monday, 9th September 2024: Uganda vs. Republic of Congo, Mandela National Stadium, 7 PM
Tuesday, 10th September 2024: Zimbabwe vs. Cameroon, Mandela National Stadium, 7 PM
