Day: May 2, 2026

Lira, Uganda | The government has stepped up preparations for the AFCON 2027 with the official handover of key sports training facilities in Northern Uganda to the UPDF Engineering Brigade for redevelopment into international-standard training grounds. The Pece War Memorial Stadium, together with sports grounds at Gulu University and Lira University, were on Friday officially handed over by the State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, marking another milestone in Uganda’s readiness to co-host AFCON 2027 under the “Pamoja” bid. The exercise follows earlier handovers of Boma Ground in Hoima and King George Stadium in Masindi, as the government intensifies efforts to upgrade sports infrastructure across the country. Ogwang said the facilities are part of a nationwide programme targeting seven training grounds to be developed to Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards within six months. He noted that the Lira University facility alone will cost Shs 13.2 billion and will serve both the tournament and long-term university sports development. Ogwang said that the investment was not only meant for AFCON but also for sustainable sports development and talent nurturing in Uganda. The training grounds will complement the ongoing works at the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium, which is expected to be one of the main legacy stadiums for the tournament. The National Council of Sports (NCS), led by Board Chairperson Ambrose Tashobya and General Secretary Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel called for increased private sector participation, especially in hospitality and transport. Officials warned that while stadium infrastructure is progressing well, gaps in accommodation could affect Uganda’s ability to fully host international delegations. Ogwang appealed to investors to establish modern hotels in Lira and surrounding areas, noting that the region would require over 2,000 high-quality rooms during the tournament period. The UPDF Engineering Brigade confirmed that it has already received full funding for the Lira University project and assured stakeholders that construction will be completed within six months. Lt. Col. Eng. Peter Sseku Kidemuka said the brigade will also engage local labour and materials to ensure community participation and cost efficiency. Leaders from Lango and Acholi sub-regions, including MPs, city authorities, and university officials, welcomed the development, describing it as a major boost for youth talent development and regional visibility. Lira City Mayor, Sam Atul, urged contractors to maintain quality and adhere strictly to timelines, while Lira University management pledged to integrate maintenance planning and sports training programmes into the project. Acting Vice Chancellor Dr. Andrew Ojulong commended the government for prioritising sports infrastructure, saying it will strengthen both academic and community sports development. Officials emphasized that the facilities are intended to leave a lasting legacy beyond AFCON 2027, positioning Northern Uganda as a hub for sports excellence in the region. Construction work is expected to commence immediately, with all sites targeted for completion within six months. Source

Alebtong, Uganda | Alebtong District has embarked on an ambitious reafforestation programme aimed at restoring degraded forest reserves and strengthening environmental conservation efforts. Deputy RDC Mathias Lutwama Joins Community Members During the Launch of a District-wide Reafforestation Drive in Alebtong. The initiative, spearheaded by the Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Mathias Lutwama, was officially launched on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in collaboration with the office of the Chief Administrative Officer, the LCV Chairperson, and the district’s Natural Resources Department. The project commenced with the planting of 20,000 pine tree seedlings in Te-Ichonga Forest Reserve in Aloi Town Council, covering 32 acres and Te-Iponga Forest Reserve in Akura Sub-county, spanning 10 acres. District leaders said the exercise will gradually extend to the remaining five forest reserves, bringing the total to seven reserves targeted across all 14 administrative units, including sub-counties and town councils. Lutwama noted that the reafforestation campaign is intended to advance ecological conservation, enhance environmental security, and align with national efforts to protect natural resources. He revealed that the tree seedlings were procured by the district following council approval and in line with established procedures. He expressed concern over the widespread destruction of forest reserves in the district, attributing it to deforestation, encroachment, and unregulated construction activities. To deepen community involvement, part of the seedlings has been distributed to residents for planting at the household level. Lutwama said that the community had embraced the initiative after understanding the importance of environmental conservation, adding that public participation would be key to the project’s success. The development comes at a time when the government has intensified efforts to combat environmental degradation. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has previously declared a “war” on the destruction of wetlands, forests, and water bodies, describing it as a threat to national security and long-term economic stability. Happening This Month in Gulu City! Under the 2025–2026 environmental directives, the government has moved to enforce restoration measures, including eviction of wetland encroachers, suspension of new permits for wetland activities, and protection of buffer zones along lakes and rivers. Despite these efforts, environmental experts have pointed to persistent challenges, including inconsistent enforcement and continued pressure on natural resources. District leaders in Alebtong, however, remain optimistic that sustained community engagement and government support will help reverse environmental degradation and restore forest cover in the area. Source