FIFA certify Hamz Stadium turf

One year after the installation of artificial turf at the refurbished Hamz Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium, FIFA has finally certified the facility.

The stadium, redeveloped by businessman Hamis Kiggundu, was commissioned by President Yoweri Museveni in April this year, with a grand opening on June 1. The redevelopment took over six years, with interruptions due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Now home to Express and URA FC, the stadium is already hosting their Uganda Premier League fixtures.

“FIFA is pleased to confirm that the Duo Filament Mono football turf system has been installed by Nurteks Hali San.ve Tic. A.S. at Hamz Stadium Nakivubo War Memorial - Kampala (Uganda). The installation has been tested and certified to the ‘FIFA Quality Programme for Football Turf – FIFA Quality’ standard,” states the certificate signed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The certificate is valid for three years, from October 4, 2024, to October 3, 2027.

Uganda Hamz Stadium Nakivubo Memorial FIFA certificate

During the construction, Fahad Ssemugenze, the General Manager in charge of the installation works, noted that the frequent rain in Kampala was a key reason for opting for artificial turf, replacing the previous natural grass.

He also mentioned that maintaining the imported grass would have cost eight times more.

“We have a lot of rain, and given the history of flooding in this area, we didn’t want to take any chances,” Ssemugenze explained.

FIFA president Infantino

“The stadium is in a low-lying area and a collection point for much of the runoff water. That’s why, even with the artificial turf, we did extensive work on the drainage system. There are perforated pipes underneath to ensure the stadium drains quickly,” he noted.

Nurteks, a FIFA-accredited company, ensured the turf underwent laboratory tests and was tested in all weather conditions to guarantee seamless ball movement during matches.

“We have all the certifications at every level of preparing this turf. The turf was procured after consultation with the FIFA turf certification team, who also required us to use their certified installers,” Ssemugenze stated.