In a powerful statement on Tuesday, the First Lady of Uganda, Janet Museveni, lauded the achievements of Ugandan businessman Hamis Kiggundu, popularly known as Ham, during her tour of the newly renovated Nakivubo Stadium.
The stadium’s redevelopment, overseen by Ham, has not only transformed the iconic sports facility but also sparked a sense of national pride.
During her visit, the First Lady emphasized the significance of Ugandans taking charge of their country’s development without relying on foreign assistance.
She remarked, “African countries can’t do things for themselves; they have to wait for someone to come from somewhere to do the work for them. So this gives us a lot of pride to know it is done by a Ugandan.”
Janet Museveni highlighted the impact of having a locally-led project, stating that it serves as a testament to Uganda’s capability to achieve significant milestones independently. She added, “Now all the other people can come from everywhere and have a sports facility like this one, but Ugandans will at least know that we have something to be proud of.”
The First Lady sees the Nakivubo Stadium redevelopment as an example for future generations, encouraging them to take initiative and contribute to the country’s growth. She expressed her confidence that Uganda has entered a new era, driven by a motivated generation, citing the importance of self-reliance in the development process.
The Nakivubo Stadium, given on lease by the government to Ham for redevelopment, now stands as a symbol of Uganda’s potential and readiness to host major events. Ham, who oversaw the entire project, proudly declares that the stadium is complete and ready for use as Uganda prepares to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.