The government has proposed new initiatives to construct roofs over the stands of Namboole Stadium as part of the ongoing revamp of the nation’s sole international football venue in anticipation of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in East Africa.
Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania secured the hosting rights for the 2027 edition of the biennial event, with Sports Minister Peter Ogwang rallying for unity and assistance to finalize the extensive transformation of Namboole.
The immediacy of the situation was emphasized by a rainfall incident earlier in the week, serving as a stark reminder of the erratic weather conditions that could potentially disrupt sporting fixtures.
“The morning downpour highlighted the necessity for stadium coverage now that we have seating arrangements in place,” remarked Ogwang.
Namboole has undergone renovations for the past two years but is yet to receive official accreditation for international matches. A total investment of Shs97 billion has been allocated to phase 1 of the refurbishment project.
A primary objective of the endeavor is to ensure adequate shelter for spectators, guaranteeing their comfort during matches, shielding them from the elements.
Ogwang stressed the significance of this initiative not only for the success of AFCON 2027 but also for enhancing the overall spectator experience during sports events nationwide.
“Our priority is to provide a covered stadium, ensuring optimal comfort for all attendees, regardless of weather conditions,” Ogwang emphasized.
The minister’s comments coincided with Namboole hosting test matches, attracting significant crowds to the stadium, which had been closed to the public for four years. Although the Confederation of African Football Federation is yet to sanction the stadium for international matches, the government is diligently working towards ensuring its readiness for AFCON 2027.
