Hamis Kiggundu has said his decision to redevelop the Nakivubo Channel was sparked by recommendations from CAF inspectors who deemed the open drainage system a hazard during their recent review of Hamz Nakivubo Stadium.
Kiggundu explained that while CAF and FIFA had earlier approved the refurbished Nakivubo for hosting continental club competitions, the latest inspection raised concerns about the channel running along the stadium’s perimeter.
“We built a very good stadium and FIFA and CAF came and inspected and appreciated it. We even got approval to host CAF inter club continental games,” Kiggundu said.
“However, during their recent inspection, they told us that for us to get the stadium to even better standards, we had to find a solution for the Nakivubo Channel. They told us the river was a hazard.”
He said the inspectors advised him that it was his responsibility to ensure the area was safely developed in order to uplift the wider stadium environment.
That, he added, prompted his approach to President Yoweri Museveni with a proposal to cover and redevelop the channel.
“Infact all the people we have employed on the project are Ugandans,” Kiggundu said, stressing the works are both a safety measure and an economic opportunity.
The remarks link the contested channel project directly to Uganda’s ambition of meeting international stadium requirements ahead of AFCON 2027.
