Nakivubo Stadium Faces Doubts Over AFCON Standards and Safety Concerns

By Kundu Ronald

Kampala – In a recent development, officials from the Federation of Ugandan Football Associations (FUFA) announced their plans for the upcoming AFCON 2027 games, sparking a wave of discussions and concerns about the suitability of Nakivubo Stadium. The stadium's slow redevelopment progress and potential safety issues have drawn criticism from stakeholders, including security and safety officer Dixon Adol Okello.

FUFA officials revealed that Akii Bua Stadium, set to be constructed, and Namboole Stadium are the chosen venues for AFCON 2027. However, Nakivubo Stadium, which boasts an artificial turf, failed to meet the standards required by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for hosting AFCON games. This revelation has left Nakivubo's future in question, as it may only be suitable as a training facility.

Mixed Reactions on Social Media

The news of Nakivubo Stadium's unmet standards has ignited a storm of social media discussions. Ugandans, both at home and abroad, have expressed their views on the project's progress, or lack thereof.

While many have expressed frustration with the slow pace of Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium's redevelopment, some have commended businessman Hamis Kiggundu for undertaking such a massive project.

Security and Safety Concerns

Dixon Adol Okello, commonly known as 'Bond,' a certified Security and Safety Officer by FIFA and CAF, voiced strong reservations about the stadium's suitability for international events. Okello, who visited Nakivubo Stadium last year, asserted that proper advice and consultation were lacking from the project's inception.

He pointed out several problem areas, including the stadium's new design, which aims to accommodate 35,000 spectators. Okello raised concerns about the size of stands, inadequate access and exit routes in case of emergencies, and towering buildings surrounding the stadium, which could compromise security.

Furthermore, Okello questioned whether shop owners in nearby arcades would be willing to close their shops for security sweeps ahead of matches. He described Nakivubo as a potential "death trap."

Doubts Over Completion

Okello expressed doubt that the stadium could be completed within a year, considering the need for substantial improvements. He concluded that Nakivubo Stadium could not meet international standards, drawing a parallel with past disappointments in Ugandan infrastructure projects.

NCS's Position

When contacted, National Council of Sports (NCS) Assistant General Secretary – Technical David Katende Ssemakula distanced the organization from Nakivubo Stadium's issues. He clarified that Nakivubo operates under a different Act and is run as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) project with Hamis Kiggundu as the private investor.

Ssemakula explained that the Nakivubo Board of Trustees Act defined the stadium's development and management, which falls under the purview of the NBTA. While NCS oversees the structure, the actual management is handled by the NBTA. He also mentioned that the redevelopment is estimated at $49 million (Shs181 billion).

The fate of Nakivubo Stadium hangs in the balance as stakeholders continue to debate its suitability for AFCON 2027 and address the significant safety concerns raised by Dixon Adol Okello.