Gulu Airfield's AFCON fate raises concern among Acholi leaders
Acana said he was concerned after learning that the rehabilitation and construction of the Gulu Airfield had reportedly been dropped from the projects being implemented ahead of the continental football tournament.
Acholi Paramount Chief Rwot David Onen Acana II has appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to intervene and ensure the construction of Gulu Airfield is undertaken as part of Uganda’s preparations to co-host the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). (Courtesy photo)
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Acholi paramount chief Rwot David Onen Acana II has appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to intervene and ensure the construction of Gulu Airfield is undertaken as part of Uganda's preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Acana said he was concerned after learning that the rehabilitation and construction of the Gulu Airfield had reportedly been dropped from the projects being implemented ahead of the continental football tournament.
The paramount chief said he had previously raised the matter with President Museveni, who, according to Acana, assured him that the airfield would be constructed to help open up the Acholi sub-region to the rest of the world and promote tourism.
“I was shocked to hear that the Gulu airfield will not be constructed,” Acana said, adding that he had discussed the matter with the president, who assured him that the project would be implemented.
He said the airfield should not be viewed solely as infrastructure for AFCON 2027, arguing that it would provide wider economic benefits to the region by improving access for tourists and other visitors.
Acana said the president had expressed interest in having the Gulu facility constructed so that tourists travelling to Murchison Falls National Park could fly into Gulu and proceed to the park.
The remarks followed a field visit by members of the Acholi Parliamentary Group (APG), who on September 18, 2026, inspected several projects in the sub-region being developed in preparation for AFCON 2027.
The delegation visited the Presidential Youth Skilling Hub for Acholi, the ongoing construction of training facilities at Gulu University, and the Pece War Memorial Stadium.
However, the delegation found that work on the Gulu Airfield had not commenced.
The issue was subsequently raised during a two-day APG stakeholders' meeting held in Gulu city from September 19 to 20, bringing together religious, cultural and political leaders from the Acholi sub-region to discuss development priorities and strategies for accelerating Government programmes.
The meeting was held under the theme "From Policy to Impact: Fast Tracking the Success of Government Programmes and Harnessing Upcoming Opportunities for Socio-Economic Transformation in the Acholi Sub-Region.”
Sports state minister Patrick Ogwang, who addressed the meeting on opportunities available to the region through sport, confirmed that the Gulu Airfield would not be constructed under the current preparations.
Ogwang said the Ministry of Works and Transport would be in a better position to explain the reasons behind the decision.
He, however, said President Museveni had already provided guidance on the project and that contractors had been identified.
Ogwang called on Acholi leaders to support efforts to have the project implemented.
He also explained that delays in the construction of the Gulu University training facilities had been caused by unstable soil conditions at the site.
Ogwang said the remedial works had been undertaken and expressed hope that construction at both Gulu University and Pece War Memorial Stadium would be completed on schedule.
Responding to the minister, Rwot Acana reiterated that the Gulu Airfield was important beyond AFCON 2027.
He said the facility would improve access to the Acholi sub-region, facilitate tourism and contribute to the region's long-term economic development.
Meanwhile, Bardege-Layibi Division legislator Martin Ojara Mapenduzi urged the APG leadership to seek an audience with President Museveni so that Acholi leaders could directly discuss the status of the airfield with him.
Kilak South MP Gilbert Olanya also questioned why a presidential directive on the project would not be implemented, asking why the Ministry of Finance would halt a project that had reportedly received presidential backing.
Ogwang also disclosed that CAF had asked whether the road linking Gulu to Lira, and consequently connecting the wider area to the Gulu Airfield, could be completed within the required timeframe.
He said he had informed CAF that the road and airfield might not be completed in time.
Uganda is scheduled to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Kenya and Tanzania from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
The tournament has prompted infrastructure and sports-facility development across the three host countries.