By Spy Uganda
Kampala: Uganda’s First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni has commended city businessman Hamis Kiggundu aka Ham for the modernization of Nakivubo Stadium, bringing it up to contemporary standards.
During her courtesy visit to the Nakivubo Stadium premises on February 20, the First Lady expressed admiration for the world-class facilities at the stadium, which is one of the venues selected for hosting the AFCON 2027.
In acknowledgment of the efforts made by the younger generation in contributing to Uganda’s development, Hon. Janet Museveni commended Ham Kiggundu for putting up such a project.
“The NRM government is very proud to see the example of our young people beginning to build Uganda by putting up projects such as this one. We congratulate Ham Kiggundu for this excellent job,” the first Lady said.
The First Lady, accompanied by Ham Kiggundu, toured the Nakivubo War Memorial Grounds, where the ambitious Ham has invested over $200 million in transforming the stadium into a world-class sporting facility. The official reopening of the stadium is scheduled for early 2024.
The renovation project, spearheaded by the businessman, has made significant progress in transforming the stadium into a state-of-the-art sports facility as one of the most out standing legacies Uganda has for now.
The first lady’s appreciation follows President Museveni’s recent acknowledgment of Hamis Kiggundu’s contribution to the Nakivubo Hamz Stadium project.
The redevelopment aims to prepare the venue for the joint hosting of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027, marking Uganda’s historic first-time hosting, alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
The New Nakivubo Stadium
The new Nakivubo stadium, which is estimated to be worth shs54 billion has a football pitch, two suspended floors, a two-level pavilion, netball grounds and a roof.
The 35000-seater facility is also expected to house other sports activities like athletics, netball, boxing, volleyball and bodybuilding, among others.
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.
Hamis Kiggundu, a young tycoon and selfless businessman, has previously scoffed at nay-sayers whom he said have little or no knowledge about the project. Like any other project, Ham says the renovation of Nakivubo Stadium has been marred by setbacks.
One of which he says is the intense criticism from the public accusing him of allegedly prioritising the development of nearby shopping malls over the stadium.
Additionally, Ham says the 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.
However, the ambitious business mogul has vowed that he will not be distracted by anyone, adding that the multi-billion project will continue as planned.
And with the renovations now nearing completion, the vindicated businessman says the progress of the project has helped address the skepticism he faced earlier, remarking on those who doubted the project’s success.
“Some Thomases (doubters) could laugh and say all sorts of words. This finished product is here, where are they?” Kiggundu wondered.
The completion of the new stadium, gives Ugandan an opportunity 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 stadium and the privilege to host the games have inspired a renewed sense of pride among Ugandans, which is exactly what Ham set out to do.
