Kampala, (UG):- President Yoweri Museveni has officially commissioned the new Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium after undergoing reconstruction by Businessman Hamis Kiggundu alias Ham over the last couple of years.
H.E Museveni was Thursday, April 25, joined by Ham himself, and Minister of State for Sports, Hon Peter Ogwang Ogwang alongside senior government officials on a guided tour and launch of the new state-of-the-art modern facility in the heart of Kampala, the country’s capital.
The President thanked Mr Kiggundu for the spirit of innovation and dedication to revamping the stadium and also congratulated the ruling NRM government for always involving the private sector in such national projects.
“I commissioned the new Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium this afternoon in downtown Kampala. I thank Mr. Hamis Kiggundu for his innovative spirit and congratulate the NRM for the smart policy of involving the private sector,” President Museveni said in a post via his official X account.
“Mr. Kiggundu’s idea of constructing this stadium was clear to me during our previous meetings, and I promised him full government support as long as it benefits our people,” the President added.
Mr Museveni also revealed that Mr Kiggundu will stay in charge of managing the stadium for the next 49 years as he aims to recoup his investment, but cautioned that the stadium belongs to the people of Uganda and therefore future governments will decide its fate.
“We shall build two more stadiums in the meantime and ensure that they meet international standards. Additionally, we will complement them with zonal stadiums in the near future. Prioritization is key; bugu bugu si muliro, akwata empola atuuka wala,” Museveni concluded.
Background of the Stadium Reconstruction
Mr Kiggundu in 2016 pitched the idea of redeveloping the stadium and the Park Yard Market in a public-private partnership and has over the years had to go through thick and thin to reach the milestone of the stadium status, which is currently enlisted to host the AFCON 2027 in Uganda, jointly with Kenya and Tanzania.
The stadium has a seating capacity of 35,000 spectators, making it an ideal venue for various sports activities such as athletics, netball, bodybuilding, basketball, and volleyball.
The stadium also features state-of-the-art amenities, including a gym, medical facility, restaurants, and other facilities.
The redevelopment of Nakivubo Stadium is a significant milestone for Uganda’s sports sector, and it could boost the country’s chances of co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals with neighbouring Tanzania and Kenya in the Pamoja AFCON joint hosting.
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