Makerere University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Council of Sports (NCS) to build a modern sports stadium at the University’s Main Sports Grounds. The agreement was witnessed by Peter Ogwang, Minister of State for Sports, and Ambrose Tashobya, Chairman of NCS.
The project, set to begin in the 2025/2026 financial year, will be funded by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Education and Sports. The stadium will meet international standards, featuring a full-size football pitch, an 8-lane running track, and a modern pavilion. It will be capable of hosting top-tier sporting events.
During the ceremony, Ogwang emphasised the strategic importance of the development, noting that it was key to Uganda's preparations for hosting the 2027 AFCON Cup. He revealed that Shs21 billion has been allocated to the Makerere project as part of an overall Shs1.5 trillion investment in upgrading stadiums across the country, including in Namboole, Akibua, and Hoima. The stadium’s construction will incorporate Makerere University's unique architectural designs.
Prof. Nawangwe expressed his excitement, calling the stadium a “dream come true” for the university. He stated that the project would provide opportunities for students, foster community involvement, and enhance national sports development.
The stadium will be co-supervised by the Ministry of Works and Transport, NCS, and Makerere University. The UPDF Engineering Brigade has been appointed as the contractor to ensure quality and security.
Tashobya added, “We are excited to work with Makerere and other partners to enhance sports across Africa. We aim to meet CAF’s standards so the stadium can host events day and night.” He also encouraged Makerere to select students for training in stadium management, ensuring the project contributes to capacity building.