Dr. Opio Acuti Petitions Museveni Over Exclusion of Key Lango Road from AFCON Upgrade Plans

Kole North Member of Parliament Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti has petitioned President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni over the exclusion of the 55-kilometre Corner Ayer–Corner Aboke–Iceme–Bobi road from the latest national road upgrade works planned ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In a letter dated August 21, 2026, Dr. Acuti appealed to the President to intervene and have the road included in the planned works under the Ministry of Works and Transport.

The road is considered strategically important to Lango because it would improve connectivity between Gulu Airfield in Gulu City and Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City, while also opening up communities and agricultural production areas along the route.

Dr. Acuti said he had previously raised the matter during the April 2026 Kyankwanzi retreat for members of the 12th Parliament, where the road was discussed in relation to preparations for AFCON 2027.

According to the MP, the retreat was informed that a request had been submitted to the Ministry of Finance seeking clearance to proceed with financing for the project. He further stated that the President had directed that the relevant correspondence be made available to him.

However, the recently published road works bid notice did not include the Corner Ayer–Corner Aboke–Iceme–Bobi road. The exclusion has raised concern among leaders and residents who view the route as an important component of the infrastructure required to support Lango's preparations for major sporting events and long-term economic development.

MP Questions Length Argument

Dr. Acuti has also challenged suggestions that the 55-kilometre road could not be completed because of limited time.

He pointed out that the roads included in the latest bid notices reportedly have a combined length of about 72.25 kilometres, while the Corner Ayer–Corner Aboke–Iceme–Bobi route is approximately 55 kilometres.

The MP therefore questioned why the shorter Lango road could not be considered if other longer roads are being taken up under the same programme.

The road has previously been identified by leaders in Lango as one of the region's critical infrastructure priorities. Other major roads frequently highlighted include the Dokolo–Ochero–Namasale road and the Lira–Aloi–Abim–Kotido road.

Importance to AFCON Preparations

The Corner Ayer–Corner Aboke–Iceme–Bobi road has gained renewed attention because of its potential role in supporting access to Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium, which has been associated with Uganda's preparations for AFCON 2027.

Recent discussions on the stadium have also highlighted concerns about access roads and the need for supporting infrastructure around the facility. Government officials have indicated that the proposed road has been assessed, while implementation remains linked to financing arrangements.

For communities along the route, however, the importance of the road goes beyond the football tournament. A better road network would improve the movement of agricultural produce, reduce transport difficulties, connect communities to markets and services, and strengthen the economic links between Lango and neighbouring regions.

Appeal for Presidential Intervention

Dr. Acuti has consequently appealed to President Museveni to review the Ministry of Works and Transport's proposed road programme and direct the inclusion of the 55-kilometre route.

The petition has added fresh pressure on government to clarify the future of the road and whether it will be incorporated into the infrastructure programme ahead of AFCON 2027.

For residents of Lango, the debate is not only about hosting football matches. It is also about whether the region's long-standing demand for improved road infrastructure will translate into actual construction and better connectivity.

The proposed upgrade of the Corner Ayer–Corner Aboke–Iceme–Bobi road therefore remains a major infrastructure issue for Kole, Lango and the wider northern Uganda region as preparations for AFCON 2027 continue.