CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

Project Background.

The Impis Rugby Ground is located within the Makerere University main campus in
Kampala. It's part of the university's sports complex, near Nsibirwa and Africa halls of
residences. The pitch has served as a key venue for university-level and club rugby matches

The Impis Rugby Club was founded in the early 1980s, largely by students and alumni
passionate about the sport. "Impis" means “warriors” in Zulu, symbolizing strength, unity,
and resilience. The club has played in Uganda’s top-flight rugby leagues and has produced
many national players over the years. As a university club, it's a feeder of young talent into
national and professional ranks.

The rugby ground is more than just a sports facility, it’s a social hub for students, alumni, the
Ugandan rugby community and the religious communities of Makerere University. It’s
known for its spirited match-day atmosphere, especially during university derbies and league
games.

Over time, it has become an important venue for nurturing rugby talent in Uganda the pitch is
relatively basic compared to international standards but functional. Efforts have been made
over the years to maintain and improve it, although infrastructure has persisted to be a
problem.

Problem Statement.

Despite being the home of one of Uganda’s oldest and most respected university rugby clubs,
the Makerere University Impis Rugby Ground lacks essential infrastructure required to
support modern sports development. The ground currently operates without a standard
pavilion, which limits its functionality and negatively affects spectator comfort, event hosting
capabilities, and overall university sports branding.

This lack of infrastructure has resulted in:

1. Poor spectator experience due to lack of seating and shelter.

 2. Limited revenue generation opportunities, as the venue is not fully equipped to host
high-profile events or attract sponsorships.
3. Underutilization of the ground for sports purposes, such as sports science research,
practical training, and student engagement in event management.
4. Reduced competitive advantage, making it difficult for the university to attract and
retain rugby talent or host major tournaments.
5. The absence of a well-constructed pavilion continues to undermine the potential of the
ground as a hub for sports excellence, community engagement, and university pride.

Justification

The ground lacks adequate shelter which affects match experience and safety. A pavilion
would bring the venue closer to national and regional rugby standards, making it suitable for
hosting high-profile matches. Protect spectators from sun and rain, encouraging more
attendance and university spirit. Tiered seating and better visibility improve match-day
excitement and participation. Social Space: Pavilion can host post-match events, alumni
meetups, and school activities, fostering a strong community bond. A modern pavilion would
reflect Makerere’s status as a leading East African university, showcasing its commitment to
holistic education. With improved facilities, the ground could host inter-university, national,
or even regional rugby tournaments. Events and partnerships (with brands or sponsors) can
generate income to support the team and ground maintenance.

Civil engineering students could use the facility for practical learning which could provide
hands on experience in the designing and construction process. The pavilion can incorporate
rain water harvesting, solar panels, natural lighting, etc.

Objectives Of Group Project Design

The group project design aims to enhance students’ knowledge and practical skills within
their respective professional fields. It is intended to produce graduates who are credible,
creative, and proficient, capable of addressing real-world challenges through innovative and
sustainable design solutions.

Main Objective
To develop a design that is sustainable, functional, and comfortable, while providing an
environment that supports learning and development.

Specific Objectives

1. To determine the dimensions and topography of the project site using appropriate
surveying methods.
2. To analyze the geotechnical characteristics of the site to guide the selection of a
suitable foundation system.
3. To establish the spatial and functional requirements for the intended users through
architectural planning.
4. To evaluate structural loads and stresses, and design appropriate structural
components to ensure safety and durability.
5. To conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the project based on construction and operational
costs.
6. To assess the social and environmental impacts of the proposed design and
recommend appropriate mitigation or enhancement measures.

Expected benefits.

1. Better facilities attract skilled athletes and encourage university students and
community to stay active in sports.
2. Covered seating provides shelter from weather, improving comfort and safety for
fans. Better facilities attract more spectators, which boosts morale and creates a
vibrant match-day atmosphere.
3. The space can support other student-led initiatives such as campaigns, exhibitions,
and cultural events.
4. The facility can be rented for inter-university tournaments, corporate games, and
school competitions. Improved visibility and professionalism attract sponsors and
partnerships. Opportunities for small businesses to sell food, merchandise, or services
during events.
5. Modern sports facilities reflect Makerere University’s commitment to holistic
education and institutional prestige. Positions Makerere as a model university for
sports infrastructure in Uganda and the region.
 6. The facility could be used by nearby schools or local clubs, fostering community-
university relationships. Promotes positive youth engagement through sport, reducing
risks associated with idleness or negative peer influence. The ground can host
cultural, music, or social events, enhancing the cultural richness of campus life.

Proposed site.

The site is aimed at constructing a pavilion at Makerere university impis rugby ground near
Nsibirwa. It is situated on a gentle slope landscape and therefore the proposed site is shown
in the figure below.