Nakivubo Stadium, now known as Hamz Stadium, today celebrates a century of football history, cultural legacy, and modern transformation.
The iconic venue, first opened on April 1, 1926, has stood as a cornerstone of Ugandan sport for generations.
The stadium’s maiden fixture, a clash between the Uganda Senior Men’s National Team and the Uganda U-18 side, set the tone for its enduring role in shaping the nation’s football journey.
Over the decades, Nakivubo evolved from a modest sports ground into a national landmark. In 1954, it was renamed Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium, honoring Ugandan soldiers who lost their lives during World War II, following the enactment of the Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium Trust Act.
By the early 2000s, however, the stadium had fallen into disrepair. Its revival began in 2015 when businessman Hamis Kiggundu partnered with the Government of Uganda in a Public-Private Partnership to redevelop the facility. The extensive renovations transformed Nakivubo into a modern sporting arena.
Since reopening, the stadium has hosted major fixtures including CAF U-17 tournaments, African Nations Championship 2024 qualifiers, and CAF Confederation Cup matches.
It has also reclaimed its place as a hub for local football, staging the Buganda Masaza Cup final and serving as a regular venue for the University Football League.
Officially re-commissioned by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on April 25, 2024, and reopened to the public on June 1, 2024, Hamz Stadium now boasts a seating capacity of 35,000. It serves as home ground for Uganda Premier League sides URA FC and Express FC, while record champions SC Villa remain among its historic tenants.
