President Museveni applauds Tycoon Ham for the “clear idea” of redeveloping Nakivubo Stadium as he commissioned it.
Drake Nyamugabwa
The President of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Museveni commissioned the newly redeveloped Nakibuvo War Memorial Stadium on 25th April 2024 as he commended the clear-minded idea Tycoon Hamis Kiggundu had for the stadium when he started redeveloping it to the international level it is now.
During the commissioning, President Museveni congratulated and thanked Mr. Ham Kiggundu for the good work of giving Nakivubo Stadium a state-of-the-art face-lift.
“First of all, Kiggundu is a young man who was born I think when the NRM had come to power, but he is a real NRM by being innovative and knowing that you can get prosperity in Uganda. This is what we have been telling you,” The President noted.
The President said Mr. Kiggundu has been able to make things happen and develop his country because he believes in the philosophy of “yes we can”.
“I thank Mr. Hamis Kiggundu for his innovative spirit and congratulate the NRM for the smart policy of involving the private sector. Mr. Kiggundu’s idea of constructing this stadium was clear to me during our previous meetings, and I promised him full government support as long as it benefits our people” he said
President Museveni said that as a private sector player, the businessman I set to recover all his investments from the public structure for some good time.
“Mr. Kiggundu can run it for the next 49 years to recoup his investment, but the stadium belongs to the people of Uganda. In the future governments will decide its fate. We shall build two more stadiums in the meantime and ensure that they meet international standards. Additionally, we will complement them with zonal stadiums in the near future. Prioritization is key; bugu bugu si muliro, akwata empola atuuka wala. Thank you!” he added.
Ham in an interview said that “As Ugandans, let's pride in the stadium. You can’t fight reality or substance. We will sit with management to see the next matches in the stadium”
Tycoon Hamis Kiggundu
Ham expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his support that has contributed to the success of the Nakivubo project and urged other Ugandans to emulate him 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. 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."
The Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang commended Mr. Ham for venturing into sports infrastructure development.
“The government gives sports each Financial Year Shs 70 billion. I want to thank Ham Kiggundu for helping us to have this asset ready for work,” he said.
The function was attended by the Minister of Kampala City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, the Executive Director for KCCA, Ms. Dorothy Kisaka, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education and Sports, Ms. Ketty Lamaro ,the Mayor of Kampala Central Division, Mr. Salim Uhuru, among other officials.
