David GOMBE
The Uganda People defense Forces (UPDF) engineering brigade will conduct the second phase of Mandela National Stadium renovations in preparations for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
According to the latest developments, renovations will cost Shs248 Billion for the stadium to meet the CAF standards ahead of the continental showpiece to be hosted in East Africa.
State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang confirmed that UPDF Engineering brigade will conduct the process.
“The contractor is going to be entirely the UPDF engineering brigade. The government earmarked USD60m for the phase two renovation. They are going to remodel Namboole based on the CAF recommendation. We are at the final stage of having the contract cleared so that we hand over the stadium to the UPDF for works to fit the CAF standard.”
“There will be roofing of the stadium, expansion of the seating capacity. CAF says that to host the final,a stadium has to have a minimum of 45000 seating capacity but when we put seats, the stadium came to 38000 capacity. So, more seats have to be added,” revealed Ogwang as quoted by Sports Torch
The second phase will have upgraded and expanded dressing rooms, lounges, improved media facilities, and installation of sky boxes among others.
Under the command of Lt.Col Peter Sseku Kidemuka, UPDF Engineering Brigade is expected to conclude works in ten months.
Meanwhile, the Ugandan government will inject Shs19b in Kyambogo with phase two works to include tennis and basketball courts and a pavilion.Hoima, Gulu, Lira, Sir Tito Winy and Pece will cost Shs13.2b each while Masindi Stadium will take Shs20.2bn with the athletics running track set to be installed at the facility. Works are also being handled by the UPDF Engineering Bridage.
Uganda will co-host the Continental showpiece along with Tanzania and Kenya between June to July next year.