UPDF handed 12-month deadline for Namboole AFCON renovations

The Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) has given the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) Engineering Brigade a strict 12-month deadline to complete Phase Two renovations of the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.

The move comes as Uganda accelerates preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The directive follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the MoES and the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MoDVA), officially commissioning the army's engineering brigade to carry out the second phase of the stadium's refurbishment.

Ministry of Education and Sports Permanent Secretary Kedrace Turyagyenda (centre) addresses the media about the signed Namboole Stadium MOU. Photo by Fred Kisekka

Initial reports had suggested that Turkish construction firm SUMMA—which built the Hoima City Stadium in just 11 months, would take full control of Phase Two. However, State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang confirmed during a recent groundbreaking ceremony at Makerere University that the UPDF is now leading the project.

The signing ceremony took place on Thursday at the MoES headquarters in Kampala, led by Ministry Permanent Secretary Kedrace Turyagyenda, who issued a firm warning to the contractor.

“Works for Phase Two must commence with immediate effect. The government has provided all the required resources. You have twelve months to deliver this stadium with no excuses,” Turyagyenda said.

Nelson Mandela National Stadium Managing Director Jamil Ssewanyana (right) signs the MOU as NCS General Secretary Dr. Patrick Bernard Ogwel (centre) looks on. Photo by Fred Kisekka

She acknowledged that Phase One faced financial and structural challenges but stressed that the current phase is fully funded.

“Phase One had some challenges. This time, money is available. We appreciate previous efforts, but delivery must now match the investment government has made,” she added.

The MoDVA delegation was led by Under Secretary for Logistics Francis Kahiriita Ngabirano, along with Head of Legal Affairs Col. Silas Kamanda and Lt. Col. Peter Kidemuka, head of the UPDF Engineering Brigade’s Namboole project.

Signing on behalf of MoDVA, Kahiriita assured timely and quality completion in line with FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards.

Ministry of Education and Sports Permanent Secretary Kedrace Turyagyenda (second right) signs an MOU with Francis Kahiriita Ngabirano, Under Secretary for Logistics at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (far right), as NCS board chairman Ambrose Tashobya (left) looks on. Photo by Fred Kisekka

“The task ahead is of national and regional importance, as Uganda will co-host AFCON 2027 with Kenya and Tanzania. On behalf of MoDVA, we pledge to deliver Namboole with quality and on time,” Kahiriita said.

Lt. Col. Kidemuka echoed the commitment, expressing confidence in the army’s technical capabilities.

“UPDF will never surrender on anything. I thank President Museveni for building an army with vast technical skills. All I can assure Ugandans is top-notch delivery,” he said.

Also in attendance were National Council of Sports (NCS) board chairman Ambrose Tashobya, General Secretary Dr. Patrick Bernard Ogwel, and NMS board chairman Edward Muwanga Barlow and managing director Jamil Ssewanyana.

Shs 248 Billion Project

At the same event, Turyagyenda confirmed that the government has released Shs 248 billion to finance Phase Two. Phase One received Shs 97 billion, bringing the total investment in the stadium’s redevelopment to Shs 345 billion.

“The work we are here for is already behind schedule. It was meant to start in August last year. That means we have no time to waste. I can authoritatively confirm that Shs 248 billion has been committed for Phase Two,” Turyagyenda said.

Scope of Works

NCS chairman Ambrose Tashobya, who also chairs the Infrastructure Committee of the AFCON 2027 Local Organising Committee, said the UPDF Engineering Brigade will handle both construction and architectural redesigns.

“We are confident the UPDF engineering brigade is capable of handling the entire task, including redesigning aspects of the stadium to meet required standards,” he said.

New upgrades in Phase Two include a standalone VVIP stand separate from the VIP section as recommended by a CAF inspection team, expansion of stadium capacity, construction of modern dressing rooms, a new media tribune, and further upgrades to meet FIFA and CAF regulations.

With Uganda set to co-host AFCON 2027, the renovation of Namboole is central to the country’s infrastructure readiness. The clock is now officially ticking.