OPINION
UGANDA: , Where I Stand on Kaunda Ground and Why It Matters for Gulu’s Future
The Uganda Land Commission must not allocate Kaunda Ground to any private developer. The title must be granted to Gulu City.
GULU CITY
By OTIM Francis
City Division Councilor, Bardege-Layibi Division, Gulu City
Gulu City stands at crossroads. On one side lies a transformational opportunity, a UGX 6 billion greening project backed by the World Bank that could reshape our city’s environment, improve air quality, create jobs, and leave a lasting green legacy for generations to come. On the other side stands a threat that could kill this dream before it even begins.
That threat has a name: private land applications at the Uganda Land Commission.
The Opportunity We Cannot Afford to Lose
The World Bank has identified Gulu City as a recipient of a major urban greening investment worth UGX 6 billion. This is not a small matter. This is the kind of funding that cities across Africa compete for. It is the kind of project that puts Gulu on the map not as a post-conflict town still finding its feet, but as a forward looking, environmentally conscious city investing in its people and its future.
The project has one simple requirement: proof of land ownership.
Gulu City responded correctly. City authorities applied to the Uganda Land Commission, the rightful custodian of public land held in trust on behalf of all Ugandans, to have the title of Kaunda Ground transferred to the City so that this project can proceed.
It was the right move. It was the responsible move.
The Problem: 16 Applicants, One Ground, Too Many Interests
But here is where the story takes a troubling turn.
When Gulu City submitted its application to the Uganda Land Commission, it discovered it was not alone. A total of 16 applicants, including private developers, have applied for the same piece of land. Sixteen competing claims on a ground that belongs to the public. Sixteen potential roadblocks standing between Gulu City and UGX 6 billion in development funding.
This is not just a bureaucratic complication. This is an encumbrance on the future of our city.
Every day that the Uganda Land Commission delays clarity on this matter, the World Bank project remains in limbo. Every private application that is entertained over Gulu City’s is a step closer to losing this funding entirely. And once that window closes, it does not easily reopen.
My Position Is Clear
As a City Division Councilor for Bardege-Layibi Division, I have a duty to speak, not for private interests, not for individuals with land ambitions, but for the people of Gulu City.
And so I say this clearly and without apology:
The Uganda Land Commission must not allocate Kaunda Ground to any private developer. The title must be granted to Gulu City.
Kaunda Ground is public land. It is held in trust by the Uganda Land Commission on behalf of the citizens of this country, including the citizens of Gulu. Transferring it to private hands would be a betrayal of that trust. It would mean that a few individuals profited while an entire city lost a once-in-a-generation investment.
That cannot happen. Not on my watch. Not while I hold this seat.
To the Uganda Land Commission
I call on the Uganda Land Commission to act with transparency, speed, and a clear conscience.
The facts are straightforward. Gulu City has a legitimate, development-backed application. There is a UGX 6 billion project waiting on your decision. The people of Gulu are watching. The World Bank is watching.
Do not let private land speculation stand in the way of public good. Prioritize the application of Gulu City. Grant the title of Kaunda Ground to the City so that this project can move forward without further delay.
To the Residents of Gulu City
This is your ground. Kaunda Ground has served this community for decades. It belongs to the children who will play in its shade, the traders who live nearby, the elderly who walk its paths, and the young people who deserve a greener, healthier city to grow up in.
I am raising my voice as your representative. But one voice is not enough.
Speak to your local leaders. Engage your City Councilors. Demand accountability from the Uganda Land Commission. Let Kampala hear that Gulu City is united on this matter and will not sit quietly while its future is handed to private developers.
The Bottom Line
Gulu City has done everything right. We identified the land. We applied through the correct channels. We have a funder ready and waiting.
What we need now is for the Uganda Land Commission to honor its mandate, to serve the public interest, not private gain.
UGX 6 Billion. One Ground. One Right Decision. Give Kaunda Ground to Gulu City.
About the Author
Otim Francis is a City Division Councilor for Bardege-Layibi Division, Gulu City. He writes in his capacity as an elected leader and community advocate.
