The first lady as well as minister of education and sports Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni has given an assurance of aiding to release the pending Ug.shs 17.76 billion to complete the rehabilitation and renovation of Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Kataha made committed self during a courtesy visit to the facility based in Bweyogerere moments after she had toured Nakivubo war memorial stadium in the heart of the capital city, Kampala.
“I will make sure the ministry of finance releases the money. We asked for it in the supplementary budget and some has been released but not the Ug. Shs17 billion,” the First Lady assured.
The First Lady was reacting to the submission from commander of UPDF Engineering Brigade, Brig Gen Cyrus Bekunda about the delay to complete stadium renovation and eventual hand-over that accrues to limitation of funds.
During the tour, the First Lady was accompanied by the state minister for sports Hon. Peter Ogwang, Ambrose Tashobya (chairman, National Council of Sports), Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel (general secretary, National Council of Sports), among others.
According to Brig. Bekunda, Ug.Shs 17.76 billion is needed to complete the pending works.
Of this, Ug.Shs 5.8 billion is for supply, install and commission the stadium floodlights as well as the entire lighting system of the amenity.
Ug. Shs 4.18 billion is meant for supply, installation and commissioning of public address system.
Ug.Shs 8 billion is for laying the running athletics tartan.
So far, the main playing area and the training ground have been leveled, grass planted and irrigation system installed.
Four dressing rooms have been renovated, the entire seats fitted and 32 lavatories rehabilitated as well.
Namboole Stadium is a 45,000 seater sports facility that is ear-marked to host CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027 tournaments.
CAF is due to send a team of officials to inspect the facility, among others.
