LIRA to reopen golf course

Lira Municipality is set to reopen its golf course, that has been non operational for close to twenty years. The 56 acres golf grounds were turned into an Internally Displaced peoples' Camp at the height of insurgency.

According to the Mayor Lira, Winyi, Lira golf grounds were one of the best grounds in the Commonwealth member states, but started deteriorating in the early eighties when the country underwent political turmoil.

Between 1986 and 2004 the golf grounds were used as a collection center for people who were running away from areas that experienced regular attacks by bandits of the Joseph Kony's forces of the LRA.

The Municipality is in final preparations to hold a grand reopening of the historical golf grounds that were first opened by the then Prime Minister and later Uganda's second President, the Late Dr Apollo Milton Obote in 1969.

Just like any other activity in Lira, the reopening of the golf grounds is likely to hit a snag for lack of funds. However the mayor who also doubles as the Assistant Chairperson for the Local authorities of Uganda , says he is trying everything possible to raise the funds.

At the time the golf grounds were non operational, pedestrian paths were created through the grounds making the green disappear. As part of the activities to prepare it for its reopening, barricades have been placed in all the paths to allow the grass to grow.

Lira District is remembered for being the home of the first Ugandan athlete to win gold Medal, the late Senior Superintendent of Police John Akibua born in this Municipality.

Basing on that history Lira Municipal Authorities are making everything possible to ensure that the District continues to nature distinguished sports personalities to keep the candle lit by the Late John Akibua burning.

In a twist of events the district Council gave away the Akibua Stadium to Lira referral hospital to create space for the Hospital construction and work has already began.