As Nakivubo stadium nears completion after many years of uncertainty, there is still a general feeling that it might not be able to host FIFA-sanctioned international matches.

Many can’t imagine a football crowd of about 35,000 people added to the already crammed business areas surrounding the stadium from St. Balikuddembe Market, Kisenyi, and or even the Ham Shopping Mall.

But here we are with a unique structure in the middle of a busy business area that will not lack customers (fans) given the vicinity in which it is located. It had never lacked any even when it was still in its dilapidated state.

Ongoing work at some of the stands

The surrounding tall buildings have not gone away but unlike with the old Nakivubo structure, you’ll not be able to peep inside from any of those angles like before; not even from the surrounding shopping malls when the construction is completed.

The old ‘War Memorial’ stadium hosted several international fixtures and tournaments including AFCON qualifiers and CECAFA matches, and there is no way the refurbished one will miss any of those, according to Ivan Ssewankambo, the structural engineer of the 35,000-seater facility.

Ongoing work at Nakivubo Stadium

“Ever since we started this construction, we have been following the FIFA Stadium Manual so whoever has come here to inspect hasn't found any fault. We have followed all the FIFA requirements,” Ssewankambo said.

But how about the shops that have been added even to the outer stadium wall underneath the stands?

“We have tried to separate the commercial bit from the stadium. Shops are part of thinking businesswise. It would make no sense to spend over $50m (sh175b) on just the stadium without a business aspect attached, and just waiting for only seasonal football matches,” Ssewankambo reasoned.

Ongoing work at one of the stands

“Outside the stadium is commercial space and according to the FIFA standards manual, it is no longer a requirement for large parking to be near the stadium because of safety reasons.”

He said construction of phase one which includes pavilion stands on the ground floor and a mezzanine that goes around the stadium is now complete. Phase one also includes the foundation works for the artificial turf and a few mechanical-electrical installations.

“We are in practical completion of the first phase; we have passed the 80% percent mark of construction and we have now embarked on laying the ground for the artificial turf. When the turf is installed, we shall be able to start hosting local matches,” Ssewankambo stated.

Ongoing work at some of the stands

“We are ready to start placing the chairs and have received samples from 6 suppliers. We are going to put a canopy and the stadium is going to be taller than any of the surrounding buildings,” he added.

As part of the stadium contingency plans, the contractors have left space where fire-fighting trucks can access the turf in case of a fire or other emergencies. There are six entry and exit points to the stadium minus the main and four access points from the surrounding roads.

“The main gate will be the major fire escape route in case of any stamped and or danger in the stadium,”

Nakivubo Stadium sorroundings

Phase two will include the second pavilion stand and part of the ticketing systems and stormwater and other works related to that. Phase 3 will have the third and final stands and the roof structure and the completion of all the electrical fittings which include the CCTV, Access control, fire alarm systems, floodlights, screen, public address systems, and mass management systems that will be in the stadium.

Under the stands are also rooms for gyms, and space for other indoor games, cinema halls, dressing rooms, and offices, among others. There is also a provision for netball and volleyball courts just behind the football match pitch.