The return of the Uganda Cranes to the Namboole stadium is uncertain as recent revelations from a CAF inspection report cast doubts on the stadium’s readiness.
Astonishingly to the CAF inspections carried out highlighted concerns over the current renovations being undertaken by the UPDF Engineering brigade, suggesting that the works fall short of the required standard.
However, Speaker Anitah Among has demanded accountability from Peter Ogwang, the Minister of State for Sports, regarding the expenditure of the Shs97 billion allocated for the renovations of the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.
The directive from the Speaker came after John Nambeshe, the Opposition Chief Whip, expressed disappointment over Minister Ogwang’s failure to fulfill his promises regarding the construction works at Namboole stadium.
Sports Minister Ogwang Peter appearing before parliament today had this to say, “The Ministry of Education and Sports has repeatedly appealed to Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development to release the balance of Shs 17billion for the completion works on the 28th February 2024.” The total amount for renovation was Shs 97B but the contractors only received Shs 80B.
“In 20 months, the contractor has completed 90% of the works and this includes most of the civil works, mechanical, plumbing, key installations like CCTV, electronic access controls, pitches, dressing rooms, running tracks, etc.” He added.
The Speaker Anita Among later tasked the minister of Finance about the whereabouts of the Shs 17B said to slow down the works at Namboole.
In his response, “State Minister for Finance, Hon Amos Lugoloobi commits that the Shs17bn balance for Namboole works will be made available to ensure that the project is executed.”
“We are going to trigger the process today to ensure that the money is available.” He expounded
The sitch has put Uganda Cranes in hosting games away from home which was not meant to be the case.
The Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA), Hon Moses Magogo remains optimistic that Namboole will host games in June and reveals there talks on going between Government, FUFA, and CAF to ensure Namboole is ready by June.
“Mandela National Stadium is not ready to host games as of today and remember CAF does evaluations on spot because they have to send a report to the referees, visiting teams etc. But with the talks on going between Government, FUFA and CAF to assure them that by June when the pitch is to be used what is lacking will not be anymore but the decision will be for CAF when we convince them that it will be implemented and they communicate to the teams right now or it won’t be but that’s not yet concluded that’s the federation has not come out with the position to say either games will be here or somewhere else.”
Uganda has recently hosted her games outside the country due to the ongoing renovations at Namboole stadium, including hosting Algeria in Douala, Cameroon, during the AFCON Qualifiers.
