SPORTS GIST

Mixed reactions on whether Nakivubo Stadium should host concerts, crusades

17:52 - 06 August 2023

Nakivubo Stadium is nearing its full completion|Ham Kiggundu twitter

Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium is nearing its full completion and it won't be too long before it's back holding sporting action.

Images of the stadium with artificial turf surfaced, stressing further that usage is sooner than later.

While it's majorly for sporting purposes, it's inevitable that the complex will hold a lot more than that, including music concerts and religious crusades.

Should Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium 🏟️ host musical concerts 🎶 and crusades 🙏? #PulseSportsUGA pic.twitter.com/7yErqIqziX
— Pulse Sports Uganda (@PulseSportsUGA) August 6, 2023

This has sparked mixed reactions from Ugandans; with some stressing it should be set aside solely for sports, while others feel non-sporting activities can as well be hosted.

Stadiums need all those things and more in order to financially sustain themselves. We just need expertise to protect the playing turf against trampling https://t.co/rC4Dgrabdn
— David Lumansi (@DavidLumansi) August 6, 2023

@CliveKyazze Nakivubo is a modern multi purpose stadium for the following reasons
× increase operational income
× improved sustainability
× sponsorship opportunities
× increased football onsite etc@NBSportUg @KiggunduHamis @FifiPhionaPinky @NCSUganda1 @USPAmedia @DavidLumansi https://t.co/6H2xSDTbQT
— Ivan Kakembo (@Ivankakemb) August 6, 2023

The sporting sector has in the past experienced disappointment as other activities have been prioritized than sports on grounds gazetted for sports.

Then, that's one of the reasons why Uganda sometimes is eliminated in hosting CAF games,
If we continue at start hosting crusades and music concerts in this stadium, then we are finished, https://t.co/KhDPe4Gu2f
— JARIDAH_CFC (@CFC_JARIDAH) August 6, 2023

Probably it's for concerts
— Calvin Umar Kayemba 🇺🇬🇺🇬 (@CalvinUmar1) August 6, 2023

Why not that artificial tough can be covered and the event goes on well, how do expect it to make money with hosting concert?!
— Usain-K 🇺🇬 (@Usainkats) August 6, 2023

Basketball and Cricket have previously been told of the unavailability of the MTN Arena, Lugogo and the Lugogo Cricket Oval, respectively, because they got booked for other business.

The case has happened to other sports like rugby at various rugby grounds including Kyadondo.