As sports lovers countdown to 2027 when the Nakivubo-based Hamz Stadium will exultantly host AFCON matches, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Hon.Janet Kataaha Museveni has today, Tuesday February 20, 2024 paid an Official visit to appreciate first-hand how the rebuilt facility looks like especially inside.
In her own words, the first lady who was greatly impressed said: “The NRM government is very proud to see the example of our young people begin to build Uganda by putting up projects such as this one. We congratulate Ham Kiggundu for this excellent job.”
Hon. Janet was taken around the over $US200Million investment by the young developer tycoon Ham Kiggundu who has delivered a new excellent world class sporting facility being delivered at the Nakivubo War Memorial Grounds.
The first Lady’s visit comes shortly after the youthful billionaire, received a commendation from President Museveni for his work on the Nakivubo Hamz Stadium in preparation to co-host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027 with Kenya and Tanzania through a video posted on The official Governement Of Uganda X(formerly Twitter) account on 23rd December 2023, showcasing the President’s pride in the concluded works at the iconic stadium.
The renovation project, spearheaded by the businessman, has made significant progress in transforming the stadium into a state-of-the-art sports facility, with the stadium’s official reopening slated for early 2024.
The stadium, which has a seating capacity of 35,000, will host various sports activities including football, volleyball, athletics, and boxing. The project, valued at $49 million, has also contributed to the transformation of the downtown area of Kampala, with the inclusion of amenities like a gym, medical facilities, and restaurants.
The stadium features a fully installed artificial turf, goalposts, and corner flags. It has been designed to meet international standards, reflecting an ultra-modern look. The VIP sections and indoor facilities have been fitted with seats, and the overall completion of the stadium is eagerly anticipated.
Ham Initiated took on the challenge of transforming the dilapidated stadium into a modern sports complex in 2017.
However, its renovation has been marred by setbacks. Ham has faced criticism for allegedly prioritising the development of nearby shopping malls over the stadium. Structural reviews and legal disputes further delayed progress, with the project stalling for almost a year. The COVID-19 pandemic added to these challenges, limiting workers’ access to the site and causing a suspension of activities for six months.
Nonetheless, now that the renovations are nearing completion, the vindicated businessman addressed the skepticism he faced earlier, remarking on those who doubted the project’s success. He recalled the skeptics, saying, “Some Thomases (doubters) could laugh and say all sorts of words. This finished product is here, where are they” he pondered.
The opportunity for Uganda to host the 2027 AFCON alongside Kenya and Tanzania will promote the three countries and positively impact economies, especially the tourism sector.
AFCON is one of the most prestigious football tournaments on the continent, attracting teams from across Africa and a global audience.
The revitalized the stadium and the privilege to host the games has inspired a renewed sense of pride among Ugandans, which is exactly what Ham set out to do.
