In a landmark decision, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially approved Uganda’s Hamz Stadium-Nakivubo as a venue for elite continental football tournaments. This milestone cements the stadium’s rapid rise as a premier sports facility in Africa.
Less than a year after its grand opening on June 1, 2024, the state-of-the-art stadium has secured authorization to host major competitions, including qualifiers and finals for the Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON), men’s U17, U20, and U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, as well as preliminary rounds of the CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup.
CAF’s Endorsement and Global Recognition
CAF praised the stadium’s infrastructure in an official statement, highlighting its “invaluable contribution to elevating the quality of African football.” The approval follows a series of accolades for the venue, including FIFA certification for its turf in October 2024, personally presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during his visit to Uganda.
Beyond the CAF endorsement, Hamz Stadium has also gained global recognition, securing a nomination for a prestigious Global Award acknowledging it among the world’s top sports venues.
A Testament to Uganda’s Commitment to Sports Development
Rogers Mulindwa, Chairman of the Hamz Stadium Management Committee, credited the achievement to the collaborative efforts of Uganda’s government and sports leadership. He acknowledged the support of President Yoweri Museveni, Education and Sports Minister Janet Kataha Museveni, State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang, and FUFA President Moses Magogo.
“This milestone is a testament to Uganda’s collective vision for excellence in sports,” Mulindwa said. “We are committed to upholding world-class standards as we host these tournaments, showcasing not just our stadium but the spirit of Ugandan and African football.”
With CAF’s approval, Hamz Stadium-Nakivubo is set to become a hub for African football, elevating Uganda’s status on the continental stage. Football enthusiasts across Africa can look forward to thrilling matches in one of the continent’s newest and most modern stadiums.
