Gulu district councillors have unanimously asked for more time to consult on the handover of Pece War Memorial Stadium to the National Council of Sports (NCS) who intend to upgrade it ahead of 2027 African Cup of Nations (Afcon).

Justin Toorach, the Secretary of Education and Sports who presented during an emergency full council meeting chaired by Janet Phoobe Ayo the speaker today said that the facility will be upgraded into a modern multipurpose stadium.

He says the NSC has requested for the transfer of ownership of the stadium and surrounding land which includes plot 84-92 on Jomo Kenyatta road and plot 13-19 on Moroto road to them for upgrade works to commence.

Toorach says that the District Executive Committee has proposed that NCS compensates Gulu district by constructing a 20,000 sitter stadium in Awach Town Council and that the district be given a percentage of proceeds from gate collections during events at Pece among other benefits.

The councillors, however, said they will not be rushed into approving the handover and needed to consult.

Ballington Pa Ongwech, the Councillor Five Bungatira Sub County, says they need to see a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) stating what the district will benefit to prevent a repeat of mistakes where district property has been given away without any benefit.

Frederick Ssemogerere, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Gulu assures the councillors that another meeting will be organized with NCS soon.