The Minister for Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, has commended entrepreneur Hamis Kiggundu for his efforts in transforming Nakivubo Stadium into a state-of-the-art facility, ready to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.
During her visit to Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium on February 20, 2024, Minister Museveni expressed her admiration for the young and enthusiastic individuals like Kiggundu, who are actively contributing to the development of Uganda through significant projects.
“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,” Janet Museveni stated.
Highlighting the significance of Nakivubo Stadium, she declared it a world-class facility that successfully secured the bid to host the 2027 AFCON, in collaboration with Kenya and Tanzania. Nakivubo Stadium will be one of the key venues for the tournament.
In response to critics, businessman Hamis Kiggundu dismissed their lack of understanding about the project’s potential and their inability to contribute to its development.
“The problem is that many of our people have so much negativity. People are so negative that even if you are doing something benefitting them, negativity will take charge of their brain. Many of them don’t reason,”expressed Kiggundu, confidently defending his undertaking.
Despite facing detractors, Kiggundu remains resilient and focused on the completion of the project. The Nakivubo Stadium redevelopment, estimated at 54 billion Ugandan shillings, will proceed as planned, he assured.
Once finished, the upgraded Nakivubo stadium will feature a world-class pitch, two suspended floors, a two-level pavilion, netball grounds, and a roof. With a seating capacity of 35,000, the facility aims to accommodate a wide array of sporting activities, including athletics, netball, and bodybuilding.
As Uganda eagerly prepares to welcome the footballing nations of Africa, the successful completion of the Nakivubo Stadium demonstrates the country’s commitment to providing an exceptional sporting experience for both players and spectators alike.