The iconic Mandela National Stadium, commonly known as Namboole, has been officially closed to allow for a substantial upgrade leading up to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania. The current capacity of over 40,000 will be expanded to 60,000 seats, accompanied by an array of facility upgrades including a new hotel, an Olympic-size swimming pool, an extended VIP section for visiting dignitaries, and a closed roof for weather protection.
Turkish construction firm MS Summa, known for quality sports infrastructure projects and currently building the new Hoima City Stadium, has been awarded the contract for this phase. This renovation is meant to place Namboole on par with Africa’s top stadiums, further enhancing Uganda’s ability to host major continental and international sports events.