Kampala, Uganda | NOW THEN DIGITAL — The UPDF Engineering Brigade, responsible for renovating Mandela National Stadium in Namboole, is confident in completing the project as scheduled. Lieutenant Colonel Eng Peter Seku Kidemuka, the project engineer, announced that the renovation, which began in February 2022, is currently at 72% completion and is expected to be finished by November 30, 2023. The project is divided into three phases.
Kidemuka explained that the upgraded stadium will feature smart technology, allowing fans to book tickets and seats online for added convenience. Once completed, the stadium will be suitable for hosting international-standard football and rugby matches.
The first phase involved securing the stadium’s 128 acres of land, including evicting encroachers and fencing. The second phase encompassed upgrading and renovating the stadium to meet international standards, including mechanical, electrical, and civil works.
The ongoing phase involves tasks like planting grass on the main playfield, installing public address systems, seating, electrical and plumbing equipment, and working on a 62-room hotel.
The project has raised the standard of facilities, including locker rooms for both home and away teams, a doctor’s room, anti-doping/doping control room, press conference room, and facilities for spectators with disabilities. It also involves fitting seats for spectators, VIPs, and VVIPs to meet international standards, installing turnstiles capable of handling 300 people per minute, and setting up a gym with modern equipment that will be open to the public.
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Challenges faced include occupied land and parking space by defunct Pioneer buses, which have caused delays in installing security lights, landscaping, and improving parking facilities.
Kidemuka expressed gratitude to various stakeholders, including the Commander-in-Chief, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, the Ministry of Education and Sports, and the Ministry of Works and Transport, for their support in ensuring the success of the Mandela National Stadium project. He also thanked the media for keeping the public informed about the project’s progress.
The stadium is expected to host its first international match in March 2024. Additionally, the 2027 African Cup of Nations tournament will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, marking the first time it will be hosted by three countries and the first time in East Africa in 47 years since Ethiopia hosted it in 1976.
