Hamz Stadium

Hamz Stadium sits in the Central Business District of Kampala, but it is not simply a container for matches. The concrete stands curve around the pitch in a tight embrace, and behind the far end the skyline is dominated by a tall glass building that makes the ground feel less like a sports venue and more like a part of the city itself. The old structure was demolished in 2017, leaving a void where the original 1926 facility once stood. The new stadium rose from that site on land originally donated by Kabaka Daudi Cwa II, and it opens its gates today to a capacity of 35,000 spectators.

What makes this ground different from the identical one down the road is the surface beneath the players’ feet. It is artificial turf, and it has carried the weight of international football since FIFA certified it for use through to the end of 2027. The pitch is the stage for Express FC and URA FC, who share the home advantage, and it has already hosted the EALASCA Games in February 2025. The matches played here are often punctuated by spectacle; the grand opening featured fireworks over the stands and performances by local artists, turning the evening into a city-wide event. The stands are packed with yellow and white seats, and the advertising hoardings display sponsors from the telecoms sector. The stadium remains a busy place, with the away end never stopping even on a cloudy afternoon.