The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has officially certified the newly reconstructed Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium, now rebranded as Hamz Stadium Nakivubo Memorial, marking a significant milestone in its transformation.

The announcement by businessman Hamis Kiggundu, popularly known as Ham, on Monday, October 7, marks the stadium’s readiness to host high-calibre football matches on its newly installed Duofilament Mono football turf.

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The certification, awarded under FIFA’s “FIFA Quality Programme for Football Turf,” confirms that the stadium’s DuoFilament Mono football turf, installed by Nurteks Hali San.ve Tic. A.S. meets the global standards required for hosting top-tier football matches.

Valid from October 4, 2023, to October 3, 2027, the certification highlights the stadium’s readiness to host local and international competitions.

The extensive reconstruction of Nakivubo Stadium, one of Uganda’s oldest and most historic sports venues, is part of a larger effort to modernise the country’s sports infrastructure.

Initially built in 1926 and opened officially in 1954, the stadium has been the site of many memorable sports events, including international football, athletics, and boxing competitions.

After years of disrepair, the Ugandan government, in partnership with Ham Enterprises, launched a major redevelopment project to rebuild the stadium into a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose sports complex.

Tycoon Hamis Kiggundu, through Ham Enterprises, has been instrumental in financing the project, aiming to turn the stadium into a regional hub for international sporting events.

With a seating capacity of 35,000, the newly certified Hamz Stadium Nakivubo Memorial is now poised to host world-class events, offering new opportunities for local businesses and vendors to flourish while contributing to Uganda’s economy.

Football fans and sports enthusiasts nationwide are eagerly awaiting the reopening and future announcements of upcoming events. The stadium’s FIFA certification is a major step forward in Uganda’s aspirations to become a centre for sports excellence in the region.

Sports authorities and the Ministry of Sports in Uganda have praised this achievement, recognising it as a pivotal moment in the country’s effort to elevate its status on the global sports map and attract more international competitions.