Hamz Stadium Nakivubo War Memorial has officially earned FIFA’s prestigious certification, allowing it to host both local and international football matches. Businessman Hamis Kiggundu, commonly known as Ham, announced the achievement on Monday, October 7, 2024.
The stadium’s newly installed Duofilament Mono football turf, crafted by the renowned Turkish company Nurteks Hali Sen.Ve Tic. A.S., has met FIFA’s rigorous “FIFA Quality Programme for Football Turf” standards. According to FIFA, the system has been “installed and certified to the ‘FIFA QUALITY PROGRAMME FOR FOOTBALL TURF – FIFA QUALITY’ standard.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino officially signed off on the certification, which is valid from October 4, 2024, through October 3, 2027. This significant milestone not only boosts Hamz Stadium’s profile but also enhances Uganda’s position on the international football stage.
The FIFA certification opens the door for the stadium to host top-tier matches, offering local players the chance to compete on world-class, FIFA-approved turf while attracting international teams to Kampala. Already, three Uganda Premier League clubs have applied to make Hamz Stadium their home ground for the 2024/25 season.
FIFA’s endorsement promises improved playing conditions, ensuring that fans can look forward to high-quality football. This recognition of Hamz Stadium Nakivubo War Memorial is a major leap forward for Ugandan football and its growing reputation on the global sports scene.
However, the entire facility is still far from meeting the required international standards for hosting international games. For instance, FIFA mandates that stadiums have adequate seating capacity, with a minimum of 20,000 seats for international matches. Additionally, the pitch must be well-maintained, with specific dimensions and a quality surface that meets FIFA’s specifications.
Other requirements include appropriate floodlighting for night games, state-of-the-art medical facilities, and adequate changing rooms for players and officials. Without addressing these essential elements, Nakivubo Stadium will struggle to secure the necessary approvals for hosting international events.
