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 NEW-LOOK NAKIVUBO STADIUM 

On Thursday, President Yoweri Museveni commissioned the newly refurbished Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium, during which he revealed government's future plan to also have zonal stadiums.

The multi-purpose stadium, located in downtown Kampala, was developed by businessman Hamis Kiggundu, better known as Ham.

During the commissioning, Museveni congratulated and thanked Kiggundu for giving the stadium a state-of-the-art facelift. 

The President paid tribute to the 40-year-old businessman for being "a real NRM by being innovative and knowing that you can get prosperity in Uganda".

“I thank Kiggundu because he has been able to show [the 'yes we can'] attitude not only in this project, but even in other projects," he said.

"When he [Kiggundu] came up with this idea, in my bushwar ways of doing things, I quickly understood him because we bushwar fighters don't take long to understand things. If you take a long time to make a decision you die," said Museveni.

“He had a clear idea: there is a government asset called Nakivubo, you lease it to me, I develop it using private money and then cover my costs through the collections and also other businesses I will do around there for 49 years. 

"I told people to support this man. If he doesn't perform, we throw him out. If he performs,  he will recover his money because what we want is not a government stadium or a Church stadium; it is not important, what we want is a stadium in Uganda irrespective of who runs it and by the end of the day we all gain from it businesswise."

He also said the government needs investors such as 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 am very happy," added the President.

"Now we have Namboole, which is a government one, this [Nakivubo] 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 the future, we shall also have one zonal stadium in each zone.”

▪️  Refurbished Namboole to host two test matches on May 1

Sports state minister delivered apologies from the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, who was unable to attend the commissioning.

She visited the stadium in February this year, during which she commended Kiggundu "for his substantial contribution to improving the country's sports infrastructure".

▪️  First Lady praises Kiggundu for Nakivubo development

"This incredible partnership between the government and the private sector showcases the NRM's commitment to fostering youth involvement in national development; and I congratulate Ham on this truly remarkable achievement," the First Lady said at the time.

On Thursday, minister Ogwang commended Kiggundu for venturing into sports infrastructure development. 

“The government gives sports each financial year sh70 billion. I want to thank Ham Kiggundu for helping us to have this asset ready for work.

Ogwang told the President that 95 percent of the renovation works at Namboole Stadium are complete, with the commissioning also soon.

On his part, Kiggundu thanked President Museveni for his support that has contributed to the success of the Nakivubo project, and urged other Ugandans to emulate him [Kiggundu] 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," Kiggundu told the President. 

"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."

Among the notable people in attendance were minister Hajjat Minsa Kabanda (Kampala City and Metropolitan Affairs), KCCA executive director Dorothy Kisaka, education & sports ministry permanent secretary Ketty Lamaro and Kampala central division mayor Salim Uhuru.