Kaunda ground in Gulu municipality is set to have a major facelift ahead of this year’s Independence Day celebration anniversary set for 9th October.
The mayor of Gulu municipality George Labeja said a modern podium will be built at the grounds that are always used for major events including parades.
Kaunda grounds has hosted most of the major functions in Gulu district including the Pope’s visit to the region in 1993.
The new construction which will include opening access roads and beatification of the grounds will be done by the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) in partnership with Emmaus Construction Company.
Work kicked off last week.
The Mayor George Labeja while handing over the site to the contractor noted that the work will cost Shs1billion.
Labeja went ahead to warn individuals claiming that they own land at Kaunda grounds, saying they are wasting their time.
He said they have only agreed that the Catholic Church will be given a pace to construct a monument for remembrance of the Pope’s visit in 1993.
Labeja says that Gulu needs infrastructure development of world standards in order to meet demands expected from a city.
‘‘We as Gulu municipal council have worked tirelessly to eradicate garbage. Right now we are focusing on the infrastructure development which include beautification and roads construction,’’ Labeja noted.
Major Peter Seku Kidemuka from the UPDF said that work will be halted to allow Independence Day celebrations to take place and later resume.
Major Kidemuka says that the parade grounds will measure 120 meters by 100meters.