Plizio Visual Lab

Nakivubo Stadium

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°10
Nakivubo Stadium (Uganda)

Weather…

Nakivubo Stadium, officially known as Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium, is a historic sports arena located in the heart of Kampala, Uganda. Established in 1926 on land donated by the Buganda government, it was initially erected as a memorial to the Ugandan soldiers who fought in the First World War. Centrally located adjacent to St. Balikuddembe Market (formerly Owino Market), the stadium has been a focal point for national and international sporting events, particularly football, for decades. It has served as the home ground for many of Uganda's top football clubs and the national team, the Uganda Cranes. Beyond sports, Nakivubo has also been a venue for major national celebrations, political rallies, and cultural events. Over the years, the stadium fell into disrepair, leading to a major renovation and redevelopment project that began in the late 2010s. The project, a public-private partnership, aimed to transform the stadium into a modern complex with increased seating capacity and upgraded facilities to meet international standards. The redeveloped stadium is poised to revive Uganda's sporting heritage.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C242424222221222222222223
Rain mm6566148194158635788117158166116

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
Nakivubo Stadium is a modernised multi-purpose venue used for sports events and concerts. On non-match days the outer grounds are usually freely visitable, while the interior is accessible only on guided tours.
🕒
Typical hours
The stadium opens on event days about 2 hours before start - exact times depend on the programme. On other days the grounds are usually accessible from 8 am to 6 pm, but this is not guaranteed.
📷
Photography
Exterior shots of the stadium can be taken anytime from the street or forecourt. During events, phone photography is usually allowed, while professional cameras require accreditation.
⏱️
Time needed
Viewing the exterior area takes about 15-20 minutes. If you join a guided tour, allow 45 minutes in total.
Combine with
The stadium is in central Kampala, near Owino Market and Busy Park. Combine the visit with the nearby Parliament House or Nommo Gallery.
🧭
Getting there
The stadium is easily reachable by taxi or boda-boda as it is on a main road. Bus stops are nearby, and parking is limited during events.
💡
Insider tip
Visit the stadium on a non-match day to enjoy the impressive architecture without crowds. Ask at the entrance if guided tours are available - sometimes they are free.

Geography

Coordinates
0.30940, 32.57440

Facts

  • Originally established in 1926 as a war memorial.
  • Named after the Nakivubo river that flows through the area.
  • The original capacity was approximately 30,000 spectators.
  • Underwent a major redevelopment, increasing capacity to 35,000.
  • Located adjacent to the bustling St. Balikuddembe Market.
  • Hosted the final of the 1978 African Cup of Nations.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Nakivubo Stadium (10)

Church House Building

Building in Kampala, Uganda.

Royal Theatre

Theatre in Kampala, Uganda.

Katwe market

Market in the Katwe neighborhood of Kampala.

C.N KIKONYOGO MONEY MUSEUM🏛 museum

Numismatic museum in Uganda.

Uganda National Mosque

Mosque in Kampala, Uganda.

Workers House

High-rise building in Kampala, features views of the city.

Busses to Kigali

Bus connection between Kampala and Kigali.

Christ the King

Parish church in Kampala, Uganda.

Buganda Kingdom museum🏛 museum

Museum about the Buganda Kingdom in Kampala.

Bat Valley Theatre

Theatre in Kampala, Uganda.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Nakivubo Stadium?
A legendary sports stadium in Kampala.
Can it be visited?
It is open to the public during sports events.
What is to be seen there?
Football matches and other sporting competitions.
Is it safe?
Caution is advised in large crowds.
How do I get there?
It is in the city center and easily accessible by taxi.
Nakivubo Stadium: where is it located?
Nakivubo Stadium is located in Uganda.
Nakivubo Stadium: what is there to see?
Highlights include Church House Building, Royal Theatre, Katwe market.
Nakivubo Stadium: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Nakivubo Stadium: why is it worth visiting?
Nakivubo Stadium, officially known as Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium, is a historic sports arena located in the heart of Kampala, Uganda.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in Uganda →

Nearby cities

History & landmarks

More places