For a very long time, Ugandans have waited for when they'll be able to access Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) again, after its closure to the public during Covid times. Since then, the stadium has been undergoing renovations, with very scanty updates and pictures of the progress.
Not so long ago, Ham Kiggundu, who spear headed the renovation of another popular stadium, Nakivubo began sharing very nice pictures of the stadium's progress and also unconfirmed sources hinted on the planned unveiling which would be headlined by Nigerian Afro beat sensation Burna Boy.
This really got sports fans and other interested parties so excited, and many kept demanding for when the national stadium(Namboole) too would be unveiled to the public.
The good news is, the long wait seems to be over, as fresh photos of the Bweyogerere based stadium have surfaced on the internet, and the stadium really looks better than the previous photos we've been able to see.
State minister for Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang was among the first to share photos of the 'new' Namboole on his Twitter account, followed by other individuals. The current state of the stadium looks promising and with Uganda being among the three host ntions of AFCON27 under the #PAMOJA bid, all available resources are highly welcome.
As we continue to eagerly await the official unveiling of the newly renovated Namboole stadium, yet to be confirmed stories indicate that the Uganda Cranes will have its home matches in the stadium early next year. The team will be able to host both Botswana and Algeria from the stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March 2024.
