In Uganda’s bid to co-host the AFCON 2027 tournament, Confederation of African Football (CAF) visiting inspectors expressed their admiration for the magnificent Nakivubo Stadium, constructed by tycoon Hamis Kiggundu, commonly known as Ham. The stadium, worth billions, received high praise from CAF inspectors for meeting the standards required to host major football events like the AFCON.
Uganda is vying to co-host the prestigious AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya and Tanzania. In preparation for the CAF inspection, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) President, Eng. Moses Magogo, announced the selection of venues to be showcased during the inspection.
Among the venues chosen as sample spaces for inspection were Mulago Hospital, Sheraton Hotel, and Kampala Serena Hotel for accommodating players and officials. Additionally, training grounds included Kampala International School Uganda (KISU), Muteesa II Stadium Wankuluku, and St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende. The stadiums shortlisted for AFCON games were Mandela National Stadium Namboole, Denver in Garuga, and Hamis Kiggundu’s Nakivubo Stadium.
The CAF inspection team, during their visit to Nakivubo Stadium, evaluated various criteria essential for hosting top-tier football competitions. Notably, they examined the quality of the playing surface, which Ham ensured by importing top-grade grass carpets used in first-world stadiums. European professional Engineers were engaged to lay this high-quality carpet, ensuring compliance with the laws of the game.
In addition to the playing surface, CAF inspectors scrutinized modern floodlights, a standby generator, well-equipped dressing rooms for a minimum of four teams, first aid and treatment facilities, comfortable seating for spectators, and media facilities.
The inspection also included the provision of necessary amenities such as television sets, refrigerators with non-alcoholic drinks, sealed mineral water bottles, and waste-paper bins for bottles.
The comprehensive inspection tour continued to examine Nakivubo Stadium’s inner and outer perimeters, mixed zone area, parking facilities, washrooms, restaurants, outlets, and access roads. Impressively, Ham’s construction of channels around the stadium facilitated smooth water flow during rainy periods.
Uganda’s bid for AFCON 2027 received a major boost as CAF officials expressed their satisfaction with the standard of Nakivubo Stadium, recognizing it as a potential venue for hosting CAF A type competitions. The positive appraisal reflects well on the country’s readiness to co-host the prestigious football tournament in collaboration with Kenya and Tanzania.
As the CAF inspection concludes, Uganda eagerly awaits the decision on the AFCON 2027 co-hosting rights, hopeful that Hamz Stadium’s exceptional facilities and presentation have significantly strengthened their bid. The success of this joint East African bid will be a landmark achievement, marking Uganda’s emergence as a formidable destination for international football events.
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