The iconic Mandela National Stadium, commonly known as Namboole, has officially been closed to facilitate a massive redevelopment project as Uganda gears up to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) under the “Pamoja” partnership with Kenya and Tanzania.
The second phase of the stadium’s transformation will be spearheaded by Turkish construction giant MS Summa, with works set to significantly upgrade both capacity and infrastructure. Once complete, Namboole’s seating capacity will expand from 40,000 to 60,000, aligning with international standards for major tournaments.
The ambitious redevelopment blueprint includes the construction of a retractable roof, a multi-purpose indoor arena, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a hotel, and state-of-the-art VIP lounges for visiting heads of state and dignitaries. With construction now underway, the facility will remain closed to football and public events until completion.
This marks the second phase of Namboole’s long-term upgrade strategy. The UPDF Engineering Brigade successfully executed the first phase, which focused on structural repairs, refurbishment of lounges, and relocation of dressing rooms.
MS Summa takes over the critical next stage, having already established a strong footprint in East Africa’s sports infrastructure space.
The company is currently finalizing the Hoima City Stadium, which is expected to be handed over to the government in December. MS Summa is also behind the acclaimed Kigali Arena—East Africa’s largest indoor stadium—completed in 2019.
Ugandan officials are optimistic that MS Summa’s expertise will help transform Namboole into a world-class sports and entertainment hub. The project is also part of a broader government initiative to overhaul national sports infrastructure.
According to officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports, a National Sports Infrastructure Master Plan is in development, which will guide future upgrades to facilities across the country.
Renovations at the Lugogo Sports Complex and regional stadiums in major towns are already under consideration.
With AFCON 2027 fast approaching, Uganda is under pressure to meet the stringent standards set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Authorities have pledged that the new-look Namboole will offer athletes, fans, and international visitors a world-class football experience.
