Kampala, Uganda – Following years of extensive renovations, the historic Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium, now renamed Hamz Stadium, reopened on Saturday with a spectacular event that captivated attendees.
The grand reopening attracted government officials, prominent business figures, and sports enthusiasts. The festivities included a variety of sports events and performances by top Ugandan entertainers.
Among the notable attendees were former Vice President of Uganda, Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, FUFA President Moses Magogo, Minister for Kampala Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, and Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, who also manages ONC in Kyambogo.
Prominent businessmen such as Kwagalana Group Chairman Godfrey Kirumira, Mandela Group Chairman Umar Mandela, and John Bosco Muwonge were also present.
The event commenced in the afternoon with a basketball match between KIU Titans and JT Jaguars, with the Titans winning 51-49. Two football matches followed, where URA defeated Kitara 3-0, and league champions Villa edged out Express 1-0 under the new stadium lights.
Winners of each match received UGX 10 million, while the losing teams were awarded UGX 5 million. Additionally, the standout players in each match earned an extra UGX 1 million, totaling UGX 32 million in prize money.
The evening featured a kickboxing match where Umar Semata triumphed over Moses Golola. The celebration continued with performances by renowned artists such as Bebe Cool, Eddy Kenzo, Sheebah Karungi, Spice Diana, Gravity Omutujju, David Lutalo, Fik Fameica, Rema Namakula, and Alien Skin.
Originally established in 1926 on land donated by Daudi Chwa II, the Kabaka of Buganda, Nakivubo Stadium has been transformed into a modern facility. It now features an all-seater design, an artificial playing surface, netball courts, a basketball court, a boxing arena, a gym, and VIP executive boxes.
The grand opening marks a new chapter for the iconic stadium, promising to enhance Uganda’s sports culture and entertainment landscape.
Thanks to everyone it was such a successful and wonderful Grand opening……the stadium is now ready to host sports activities….For God and My Country pic.twitter.com/lETJjpxRNy
— Hamis Kiggundu (@KiggunduHamis) June 3, 2024
