ARTICLE BY: RAPHEAL LUBANGAKENE
“During my recent visit to the Mandela National Stadium, I had the opportunity to evaluate the progression of the rennovation works firsthand. The renovation plan is extensive and incorporates numerous critical upgrades to the stadium. These include the integration of a state-of-the-art ticketing and access control system, installation of solar lighting to mitigate utility costs, and establishment of an efficient drainage and irrigation system.”
Ministry of Education and Sports, led by Janet Museveni has announced another deadline when the ongoing refurbishment works of Namboole (Mandela) National stadium shall be concluded. The works will continue atleast until November 30, 2023, the minister says. This is against the initial deadline which had been slated for August 1, 2023.
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The extension ensues the minister’s recent exploration of the facility and the rehabilitation plan, which she discovered is far more comprehensive than it seems, and thus requires more time fully execute: “During my recent visit to the Mandela National Stadium, I had the opportunity to evaluate the progression of the rennovation works firsthand. The renovation plan is extensive and incorporates numerous critical upgrades to the stadium. These include the integration of a state-of-the-art ticketing and access control system, installation of solar lighting to mitigate utility costs, and establishment of an efficient drainage and irrigation system.” Ms Museveni stated on twitter.
She further said that the projects further involve the creation of a 4.2km perimeter wall, along with the refurbishment and elevation of the Namboole stadium and hotel to match international standards.
It is also apparently paradoxical that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade itself requested the deadline to be extended, having announced in March this year that this project would be finished by June.
It insists the works require more time due to its complexity, “In light of these significant undertakings, I have approved an extension for these intervention efforts, shifting the initial completion date from August 1st, 2023, to November 30th, 2023. This extension was granted upon request by the project’s main contractor, the UPDF Engineering Brigade. As we eagerly anticipate our next visit in November, we look forward to witnessing the fully revitalized stadium.” Ms. Museveni added.
She also made a move to bestow commendations to the industrious undertakings of the UPDF Engineering Brigade, saying it has continuously invested in technical institutes and nurtured domestic talents thereby reducing over reliance on foreign companies.
But the delayed works of the UPDF has come under increasing scrutiny by both FUFA and law makers in recent months. Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) president Moses Magogo rebuked the company in April this year, even stating the UPDF contractors should be replenished by a more highly effectual company, foreign so be it.
Uganda Cranes have been forced to organise their home fixtures in foreign stadiums this year. African Cup of Nations matches against Tanzania and Algeria were played in Egypt and Cameroon respectively, both of which the Cranes lost. It remains to be seen whether the belated 30th day of November shall forth come to a new look Mandela National Stadium.