Kole North MP Dr Opio Acuti Protests Exclusion of Key Lira-Gulu Road from AFCON Roads List.
By Patrick Okidi
KAMPALA – The Member of Parliament for Kole North, Hon. Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti, on Wednesday, 26th August 2026, raised a matter of national importance over the exclusion of a critical road linking Gulu and Lira from the list of AFCON access roads.
Dr. Opio told Parliament that two weeks ago, the Ministry of Works and Transport listed a number of roads to be constructed as access roads for Namboole Stadium and Hoima City Stadium ahead of AFCON 2027.
However, he said the Corner Ayer – Aboke – Agwata road, which he described as a critical link connecting Gulu Airfield in Gulu City to Akii-Bua Stadium in Lira City, was omitted.
“Right Honourable Speaker, we’ve been told previously that Akii-Bua Stadium will be a standby stadium for AFCON. A standby generator should have the same capacity as the main power generator. That means the infrastructure should be the same,” Dr. Opio argued.
He said they have had several discussions with the Minister of Sports and the Ministry of Works, but no action has been taken.
Dr Samuel Acuti added that as members of parliament from Lango sub- region, they are even considering to meet H.E the president of the Republic of Uganda on the matter.
Dr. Opio prayed that the Prime Minister convenes a meeting with the different ministries to discuss the issue and find a way forward, saying it is not just of economic and sporting nature, but also political.
In response, the State Minister for Education and Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, said the coordination of AFCON 2027 is with his ministry but implementation is with line ministries.
“It is true the ministry responsible for works and transport should facilitate the construction of this road. As the Prime Minister is aware, the coordination of this AFCON 2027 is with us but implementation is with line ministries,” Ogwang said.
He noted that he was unable to give a definite answer because it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Works and Transport, adding that those roads which were earmarked have already been advertised.
The Speaker of the 12th Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, directed the Prime Minister to handle the matter.
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