State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang told Parliament that ongoing works at Mandela National Stadium are now centred on design revision and structural integrity testing following concerns raised by Confederation of African Football inspectors.
Speaking on Wednesday, 15 April, Ogwang said contractors are revising the stadium’s design to incorporate CAF’s observations from a recent inspection.
He stressed that addressing these issues through technical review is the immediate priority before any expansion works can proceed.
CAF’s report had flagged gaps in stadium infrastructure, hospitality, and medical readiness. Ogwang said the government had intervened, with Namboole’s upgrade remaining central to Uganda’s plans for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027.
He also clarified that the stadium’s capacity will increase from 38,268 to 45,000 seats, not 65,000 as previously reported. Planned upgrades include expanded VVIP and VIP lounges, improved media facilities, enhanced spectator areas, and modernised medical zones.
Ogwang also updated Parliament on related infrastructure. Hoima City Stadium is complete and in its defects liability period, while training facilities at Kyambogo University and Makerere University are due by August 2026. Projects at Hoima Boma Grounds, Masindi Municipal Stadium, and FUFA Kadiba Stadium are expected within the year.
Beyond stadium works, the government has allocated funding towards roads, airports, hospitals, ICT systems, sanitation, and destination marketing to meet CAF standards.
