Ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in East Africa, the government has proposed new plans to construct roofing over the stands at Namboole Stadium as part of the continuing renovations to the nation’s only international football venue.
The biannual event’s hosting rights for 2027 have been awarded to Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Peter Ogwang, the minister of sports, has urged cooperation and assistance to finish Namboole’s remarkable recovery.
A downpour earlier on Wednesday highlighted the urgency of the situation and served as a warning of the unpredictability of weather that may potentially cause disruptions to athletic events.
“As you can see, it rained this morning. It’s crucial that we cover the stadium now that we have seats, Ogwang stated.
After two years of renovations, Namboole has not yet received an official commission for international matches.
Namboole Stadium is slated for roofing as well after being abandoned to decay for 25 years.
In phase 1 of the renovations, the stadium has cost Shs97 billion in total.
One of the project’s primary goals is to provide stadiums with enough covering so that fans may watch the games in comfort and protection from the sun and rain.
According to Ogwang, it is essential for both the success of AFCON 2027 and improving the general fan experience at sporting events held all throughout the nation.
“We need to cover the stadium so that whoever is seated is comfortable without being interfered with rain,” he stated.
The minister spoke during test matches held at Namboole, which drew sizable audiences to the stadium—which had not been open to the public for four years.
The government is working nonstop to make the stadium ready for AFCON 2027, however the Confederation of African Football Federation has not yet approved it for use as a venue for international matches.
