Parliament Demands Accountability For 97 bn Namboole Stadium Renovation

During a charged parliamentary session on Thursday, Speaker Among directed the Minister of Education and Sports to furnish a detailed report on the progress and utilization of the Shs97 billion allocated for the refurbishment of Namboole Stadium.

The directive came after Hon. John Nambeshe, Chief Opposition Whip, raised concerns over the incomplete state of the stadium and its failure to meet FIFA World Cup Qualifiers standards.

Nambeshe’s scrutiny revealed discrepancies discovered during a pre-inspection visit by the Confederation of Africa Football(CAF), indicating non-compliance with required standards and a lack of approval for hosting qualifiers. He urged swift completion of the renovations ahead of the impending FIFA inspection.

“As up to now, the works are still not complete…the stadium works are not compliant with the requirement and have not been approved by the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers,” stated Nambeshe during the session.

His sentiments were echoed by Hon. Silas Aogon, who demanded answers regarding the alleged mismanagement of funds and called for the resignation of those responsible for the delayed renovation works.

“The Minister needs to tell us what is going on. You assured us that everything will be okay, now we are asking what is wrong?” asserted Aogon, expressing frustration over the delays.

Further adding to the chorus of discontent was Hon. Jonathan Odur, who emphasized the urgent need for the stadium’s completion, highlighting its crucial role in hosting forthcoming football tournaments.

“Namboole Stadium is a precondition for hosting the Champions of the African Nations, (CHAN). We have two games coming up and we cannot host them because the stadium is not ready. Could the minister please furnish us with the details?” requested Odur.

Speaker Among underscored the potential ramifications of the delays, noting concerns over demoralizing Ugandan supporters who anticipated cheering on their team at home.

“I am aware that Morocco had already given Uganda the chance to host its World Cup qualifiers if Uganda couldn’t host its games domestically, but this would demoralize Ugandan supporters who had anticipated supporting their team at home,” expressed the Speaker.

Government Chief Whip, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua, acknowledged the progress made in the renovations but noted recommendations for changes by Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspectors. He invited MPs to inspect the stadium’s progress firsthand.

“Mandela National Stadium was recently inspected by a team of inspectors from Confederation of African Football…we as a country have made substantive progress,” stated Minister Obua.

However, Ibrahim Ssemujju expressed skepticism regarding the Minister’s invitation, questioning whether MPs’ assessments would supersede those of CAF inspectors.

“The clarification I am seeking from Minister @HamsonObua is whether now that the inspectors have said we aren’t ready, you are now replacing them with MPs because you are issuing an invitation,” raised Ssemujju.

The parliamentary session underscored mounting concerns over the delayed completion of Namboole Stadium and the pressing need for transparency and accountability in managing renovation funds. With significant sporting events looming, including FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and CHAN, the government faces heightened pressure to expedite the stadium’s completion to maintain Uganda’s hosting capabilities.