Anthills, Bushes Render Pece Stadium Unusable

When asked why Pece Stadium is very bushy, Brakson Ojara, the Gulu District Sports officer said he will only make a statement after a meeting with the board of trustees of the stadium. But Denise Ojwee, an Ex -FIFA Referee, doubts the existence of the board since nobody seems to know any of its members

Pece Stadium in Gulu City has been left unmaintained for over six months but no reasons are given for this.

The stadium that was last maintained in March before lockdown over the outbreak of COVID -19 pandemic is currently in an appalling state.

The football pitch is overgrown with paspalum grass and other weeds to the height of about 45 centimeters which have made the ground unleveled as required of a standard pitch. Ant hills are also forming in other parts of the pitch.

Poles erected for the perimeter fence to separate the pitch and where spectators stand are falling to the ground because the bases are being eaten by the termites.

The pavilion, dressing rooms and the toilets are covered under piles of dusts and dirt.

The fence surrounding the stadium has been dwarfed by tall grass. 

Denise Ojwee, an Ex -FIFA Refugee revealed that when he visited the stadium recently, he was so shocked seeing it bushy and dirty and that if any game is to be played in Gulu one of these days, it has to be taken to another ground since Pece is not ready to host any game considering its current state.

Ojwee is also afraid the busy pitch can be harboring snakes, other dangerous reptiles and rats

. He also revealed that the stadium is said to be managed by a board of trustees, a board that seems not not to be existing since no one seems to know any of its members.

Richard Odong, the Gulu District Football Association Vice Chairperson appealed to the management of Pece stadium to act quickly and slash it so that if any match is brought in Gulu, the stadium can host it.

When asked why Pece Stadium is very bushy, Brakson Ojara, the Gulu District Sports officer said he will only make a statement after a meeting with the board of trustees of the stadium.

Geoffrey Okaka, the Gulu District Chief Administrative Officer said the stadium is truly bushy and promised that it shall be worked on very soon.

Pece Stadium has hosted a number of international games like CECAFA U-20 Challenge Cup last year and the 2017 East African Secondary School Games.