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 has on Thursday, April 25, joined by Haji Hamis Kiggundu himself and Minister of State for Sports, Hon Peter Ogwang Ogwang alongside minister for Kampala metropolitan affairs Hajat Minsa Kabanda on a guided tour and commissioning of the redeveloped modern sports 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.
President Museveni also noted that the government needs investors such as Mr. Kiggundu to help it develop some assets that steer development of the country.
“If we get the private sector who can do this type of thing as guided by the government and according to the standards of the government then there’s really no problem. I have seen the facilities; I have been assured that they meet the standards of AFCON and other international groups so I’m very happy.
Now we have Namboole which is a government one, this is also government but now leased to Kiggundu for 49 years and then we are going to build one or two others in Hoima and maybe Akii-Bua in Lira. In future we shall also have one zonal stadium in each zone.”
The Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang conveyed apologies from the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni to the gathering for not being able to attend the commissioning ceremony of the stadium but hastened to add that she had recently visited the stadium.
He also thanked President Museveni for commissioning the sports facility.
Hon. Ogwang further commended Mr. Ham for venturing into sports infrastructure development.
“The government gives sports each Financial Year Shs 70 billion. I want to thank Ham Kiggundu for helping us to have this asset ready for work,” he said.
Hon. Ogwang also informed the President that the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports will soon invite him to launch the Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) which is currently under renovation.
“I want to say that 95 percent of the works are ready for Mandela National Stadium to be commissioned,” he revealed.
On his part, Mr. Ham Kiggundu thanked President Museveni for his support that has contributed to the success of the project.
He commended the NRM government under the stewardship of President Museveni for ushering in peace to Uganda that has enabled development programs to be accomplished.
The businessman also urged other Ugandans to emulate him in order to develop the country.
“I take it as an obligation as a Ugandan that it is my responsibility to develop myself and my country and do it collectively. This is a direct reflection of your effort and struggle. The prevailing circumstances created by the current NRM regime is the main reason as to why an ordinary man like me can do such a project. I pray that other Ugandans can follow suit,” he said.
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 despite being alleged to have been rejected to host AFCON games by CAF inspection team.
The function was also attended by the Executive Director for KCCA, Ms. Dorothy Kisaka, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education and Sports, Ms. Ketty Lamaro ,the Mayor of Kampala Central Division, Mr. Salim Uhuru, among other officials.
