Pece Stadium land encroachment under scrutiny as AFCON 2027 work begins

Encroachment on land belonging to Pece War Memorial Stadium has come under fresh scrutiny as the National Council of Sports (NCS) and the Ministry of Education and Sports move to reclaim sections of the property amid ongoing redevelopment for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In January 2026, the Gulu District Council officially handed over the stadium and surrounding plots including Plot 84–92 on Jomo Kenyatta Road and Plot 13–19 on Acholi Road to the NCS for redevelopment into a modern sports complex. The Uganda People's Defence Forces Engineering Brigade has since begun demolishing structures at the site in preparation for construction works.

Area Member of Parliament for Bardege-Layibi Division, Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, clarified that the stadium does not belong to Gulu District or Gulu City, but was established in memory of sons from the region who participated in World War II.

"Pece Stadium was built in recognition of the contribution of our forefathers during World War II. It was established for the entire region and the country," Ojara said.

He explained that local government has only served as custodian of the facility on behalf of the public.

"When government comes to redevelop the stadium, it is doing so on behalf of the people. I appreciate Gulu District for preserving the facility, but I am disappointed that stronger restrictions were not put in place to protect the stadium land from encroachment," he added.

Ojara revealed that part of the land is occupied by an individual who initially sought permission from the late former district chairperson, Walter Ochora, to operate a pork joint during match days at the stadium.

"He was later asked to vacate the land, but instead started claiming ownership and demanding alternative land," Ojara said.

"If someone temporarily uses your land to grow vegetables, you are not obliged to find them another garden when they leave. That mindset encouraged unrealistic claims that some leaders later protected," he added.

According to Ojara, the matter eventually ended up in court, with claims that compensation or alternative land should be provided. He maintained that the entire 50-acre property stretching from the southern section to Moroto Road is legally titled under the stadium.

"Pece land is titled under the Gulu District Land Board. Even NUDIPU acquired part of the land temporarily for office space and is willing to vacate because they understand it belongs to the stadium," he noted.

The legislator also challenged incoming leaders of Gulu City to audit all public land transactions to establish who sold government property and under what circumstances.

"Gulu must begin planning for another stadium because the city is rapidly growing. We need to secure enough land now for future expansion. If we lose this land, where will future sports infrastructure be built?" Ojara asked.

Gulu District Chairperson Christopher Opiyo Ateker confirmed that sections of the stadium land have been encroached upon by private individuals, but said efforts are underway to resolve the matter through dialogue.

"Gulu District remains the mother authority of most public properties within the city. Together with NCS and local leaders, we shall pursue round-table discussions to achieve a win-win solution," Opiyo said.

Gulu City Mayor Alfred Okwonga urged residents to support the redevelopment project, saying temporary inconveniences would yield long-term benefits for sports development.

"Redeveloping Pece Stadium to international standards will nurture talent and open opportunities for sportsmen and women in the region," Okwonga said.

Resident District Commissioner John Bosco Tumwesigye warned against attempts to frustrate the project, stating that the country must prepare adequately to host AFCON-related activities.

"As Uganda prepares to host AFCON, upgrading Pece Stadium is necessary and no one should sabotage this effort," Tumwesigye said.

NCS Secretary General Bernard Patrick Ogwel said the takeover of the facility is backed by Section 75(1) of the National Sports Act, which mandates the NCS to oversee public sports infrastructure across the country.

"I thank the district leadership for preserving Pece Stadium. The land stretches beyond the current playing area, and together with the district we want to develop the upper extension into a complete multi-sport complex," Ogwel said.

NCS Chairperson Ambrose Tashobya emphasized that public sports facilities transferred to the NCS cannot be subdivided, leased, or mortgaged.

"These facilities must be preserved for future generations and remain dedicated strictly to sports," Tashobya said.

He added that the NCS plans to secure all encroached sections of land to pave the way for indoor arenas and additional sports infrastructure.

State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang said the government intends to construct basketball and volleyball courts, as well as a swimming pool, at the revamped facility.

"We urgently need that land because without enough space we cannot fully implement this project. The current land is not sufficient for all the planned facilities," Ogwang said.

The minister said he had received several reports concerning the disputed land and directed Acholi leaders and NCS officials to resolve the matter immediately to fast-track sports development in the region.

"Pece Stadium will remain strictly for sports activities and not for any other events," he stressed.