According to Hon. Peter Ogwang, Minister of State for Sports, funding delays have made it more difficult to repair and renovate Namboole’s Mandela National Stadium to international standards.
Ogwang claimed that despite Parliament’s approval of the budget for the 2021–2022 fiscal year, the funds weren’t released until much later.
“The stadium received finances in July 2022,” Ogwang said. “Parliament approved Shs31 billion and a supplementary financing of Shs62 billion in the 2021/2022 financial year for the building of a perimeter wall, repair, and upgrade.
Ogwang claimed that as a result, the UPDF Engineering Brigade had only finished 32% of the civil works.
He continued by saying that the procurement procedure was also proceeding. The minister expressed hope that the continuing projects will allow Uganda to host international competitions like the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA World Cup qualification games.
Ogwang also updated Parliament on the projected development of Akii Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City and Buhinga Stadium in Kabarole District.
In order to start the construction of Buhinga and Akii Bua, Ogwang continued, “A report on feasibility studies, concept designs, and environmental and social impact assessments was submitted to the Ministry of Finance.”
Ogwang claimed that Buhinga Stadium, which is expected to cost US$64 million, is intended to hold 26,000 spectators and includes two netball courts, two volleyball courts, two handball courts, two basketball courts, an artificial turf, three tennis courts, a fitness center, and a hotel.
When finished, the 30,000-seat Akii Bua Stadium will contain an athletics track, three tennis courts, an artificial turf, two netball courts, two volleyball courts, two basketball courts, and two handball courts.
The price is $48 million USD.
