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By Proscovia Achomo Gulu City Gulu City has received a significant infrastructure boost ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with the government officially commissioning the construction of two modern training facilities valued at UGX 13 billion. T
By Proscovia Achomo
Gulu City
Gulu City has received a significant infrastructure boost ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with the government officially commissioning the construction of two modern training facilities valued at UGX 13 billion.
The facilities, which will be established at Pece War Memorial Stadium and Gulu University, form part of Uganda’s broader preparations to co-host the prestigious continental tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania in 2027.
Construction works have already commenced following the official handover of the project sites to the UPDF Engineering Brigade, which will oversee the execution of the developments. The two facilities are expected to be completed within a period of six months.
The planned upgrades are expected to transform Gulu into a key sporting hub in Northern Uganda, while also creating opportunities for youths’ talent nurturing and local economic growth through sports tourism and related investments.
Peter Ogwang, State Minister for Education and Sports said the redevelopment project reflects the government’s commitment to decentralizing sports infrastructure and ensuring Uganda meets international standards ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“The NRM government is committed to ensuring that sports services are brought closer to the people of Uganda, while also prioritizing sports tourism as a key pillar of sports development,” Ogwang said.
He added that the government plans to establish and upgrade sports centers across all sub-regions of the country in order to create modern, inclusive facilities capable of hosting multiple sporting disciplines.
“Our goal is to ensure that every sub-region has a well-developed sports centre with facilities that can accommodate various sporting activities and nurture talent at all levels,” he noted.
Alfred Okwonga, Gulu city outgoing mayor, welcomed the redevelopment of Pece War Memorial Stadium, describing the project as a long-awaited milestone for the city.
He said the transformation of the facility into a modern stadium was not only a major infrastructure development but also an investment in youths, sports talent, and the local economy. Okwonga added that the project would contribute to the growth and image of Gulu City, pledging his support to ensure its successful implementation while calling on residents to cooperate throughout the construction process.
Lt Col Eng Peter Seku Kidemuka, Head of Estates and Development in the UPDF pledged the UPDF Engineering Brigade’s full commitment to delivering the project within the stipulated timeframe, assuring the public of quality work and timely completion.
“We thank the government for entrusting the UPDF Engineering Brigade with this project. The public should not have any concerns regarding the quality of work or the delivery timeline,” Kidemuka said.
“Since the client has already fulfilled the necessary requirements and funds have been availed, we are fully prepared to execute the project efficiently. We assure the people that all civil works will be completed on time, and our team is set to commence work immediately,” he added.
Peter Ogwang, state minister for education and sports hands over the project site at Gulu University during the official site handover ceremony.
Speaking on the development, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Gulu University, Prof. David Okello Owiny, expressed gratitude to the government for prioritizing the institution under the national sports infrastructure development program.
“Gulu University has for a long time faced challenges in sports development due to limited facilities. Both staff and students have eagerly waited for this project,” Prof. Owiny said.
He noted that the completion of the facility would significantly enhance talent development at the university, even beyond the AFCON 2027 tournament.
“Once the facility is completed and AFCON is concluded, the university will fully benefit from it. We believe it will greatly improve our performance in sports and increase the number of accolades and medals we received,” he added.
Prof. Owiny further explained that the modern facility would provide an opportunity for the university to nurture and harness talent from its more than 7,000 students.
“Many of our students have had limited opportunities to fully exploit their sporting potential due to the lack of proper grounds. This facility will give them a platform to develop their talents, which will ultimately benefit both the university and the country,” he said.
In public universities, similar AFCON 2027 training facilities are also being constructed at Lira University, Kyambogo University, and Makerere University as part of efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure ahead of the tournament.
The government is also developing similar training facilities in Lira, Hoima, and Masindi as part of its nationwide AFCON 2027 preparations, aimed at ensuring adequate, modern training grounds across key regions to support both competition readiness and long-term sports development.