Months after first raising the alarm, activist Ayella Godfrey Jiji is renewing calls to protect Kaunda Grounds, warning that Gulu City’s most iconic public space could slip into private hands.
Whistleblower reports first sparked concern that the land might be transferred to individual ownership. The fears deepened with allegations that the Commissioner of Lands could hand Kaunda Grounds over to Gulu City Authority — a move residents believe opens the door to privatization or allocation to private developers.
For decades, Kaunda Grounds has served all of Gulu. It’s hosted Independence Day celebrations, cultural festivals, community rallies, football tournaments, and civic functions. Residents say losing it would do more than reduce recreation space — it would tear at the social and cultural fabric of the city.
“If this land is developed or restricted for private use, the city will bear the cost,” Jiji warns. That includes money for alternative facilities, greening projects, and relocation — expenses he argues are avoidable when other development options exist.
The concern isn’t just about today. Community members say land preserved since independence was meant for current and future generations, not individual or private interest. Prioritizing Kaunda Grounds for transfer, they argue, ignores both history and public need.
Jiji is now directly appealing to the Commissioner of Lands and the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development to safeguard Kaunda Grounds as public property. He says protecting such spaces ensures community access, transparency, and responsible land governance.
While advocacy and written appeals have started, Jiji notes they haven’t gotten enough attention. His call now is broader: for Gulu’s leadership and residents to unite.
“Safeguarding public land is not only a matter of present governance but also a responsibility to future generations,” Jiji states.
