By Mulengera Reporters
In a landmark agreement signed on March 26, 2025, Makerere University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Council of Sports (NCS) for the construction of a state-of-the-art sports stadium at the University’s Main Sports Grounds. The MoU was witnessed by Hon. Peter Ogwang, Minister of State for Sports, while Mr. Ambrose Tashobya, Chairman of NCS, signed on behalf of the council.
The new facility is set to break ground in the next financial year (2025/2026) and will be financed by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Education and Sports. Designed to meet international standards, the stadium will feature a full-size football pitch, an 8-lane running track, and a modern pavilion—capable of hosting high-profile sporting events.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Right) and Mr. Ambrose Tashobya (Left) ink the MoU. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa signs MoU with the National Council of Sports (NCS) for the construction of a state-of-the-art sports stadium at the University’s Main Sports Grounds, 26th March 2025.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Right) and Mr. Ambrose Tashobya (Left) ink the MoU.
During the signing ceremony at Makerere University, Hon. Ogwang outlined the strategic importance of the project. “This development is a vital step in our preparations for Uganda hosting the AFCON Cup in 2027,” he remarked. He further revealed that the Ministry has allocated Shs21 billion to jump-start the Makerere project as part of an overall investment of 1.5 trillion shillings to upgrade multiple stadiums nationwide, including those in Namboole, Akibua, and Hoima. The Ministry emphasized that the stadium’s construction would adhere to Makerere University’s innovative structural designs.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “This is a dream come true for Makerere University. We have long sought funding for a modern stadium, and I am delighted that the Ministry has chosen us as the site for this transformative development.” He underscored the facility’s potential to uplift student talent, foster community engagement, and serve as a hub for national sports development.
Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli (Left), Deputy University Secretary-Mr. Simon Kizito (Right), and Representative of the Department of Sports and Recreation-Mr. Brian Miiro (Standing) observe as NCS General Secretary, Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel signs as witness on the MoU. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa signs MoU with the National Council of Sports (NCS) for the construction of a state-of-the-art sports stadium at the University’s Main Sports Grounds, 26th March 2025.
Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli (Left), Deputy University Secretary-Mr. Simon Kizito (Right), and Representative of the Department of Sports and Recreation-Mr. Brian Miiro (Standing) observe as NCS General Secretary, Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel signs as witness on the MoU.
The project will be co-supervised by the Ministry of Works and Transport, NCS, and Makerere University, ensuring rigorous standards and timely completion. Notably, the UPDF Engineering Brigade has been appointed as the contractor, guaranteeing a robust and secure build.
Mr. Tashobya added, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Makerere University and other government entities to create an enabling environment for sports across Africa. We look forward to the university harnessing this facility, and we are committed to achieving CAF’s requirements so that the stadium can host games both day and night.” He also encouraged Makerere to identify students for training in the management and operation of the new facility, highlighting the project’s role in capacity building.
This groundbreaking partnership marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s sporting and infrastructural landscape, promising to deliver a facility that not only meets international standards but also nurtures the next generation of sporting talent-Mak News. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
