ZOMBO COMMUNITY TO FIX MAJOR FOOTBRIDGE AFTER MONTHS OF STRUGGLE

Community converge to fix Zingili footbridge in Paidha town council, Zombo District on January 8, 2025. Photo by Mike Rwothomio.

By Mike Rwothomio

Zombo

Hundreds of residents from Omua and Central wards, Paidha town Council, Zombo district, have mobilized resources locally, to kick start the fixing of a pivotal Zingili footbridge on January 8, 2025.

This collaborative move is their last- effort,  having failed for months to get impactful response from  Paidha town council leadership, that they claim started promising them a Permanent solution since 2001.

Zingili footbridge broke down months ago, cutting off connection for thousands of residents from the inner and outer ring of the business- oriented town, with over 40,000 people.

Lack  of the footbridge has for months  exacerbated  movements  for learners and  residents accessing Christ the King Chapel, Abdeen Mosque, St Peters Church of Uganda, Paidha Central Market amongst others.

Basil Okwong, the LCI chairperson of Entebbe cell, Omua Ward expressed his disappointment with the council’s delay to fix the footbridge saying, “we mobilized shillings 2000 from each household, in our community here and now we are fixing the footbridge on our own, if the council can’t come and help us, it’s ok”.

In the morning of January 8, young able bodied youths, accompanied by children and elders converged to kick start the hectic work, with women cooking locally mobilized foot items to energize the determined youths.

Iddi Juma Angili, an area resident called for more support from well-wishers.

Festo Muber, a resident of Entebbe cell, appealed to the council leadership to now fix deplorable road states in the area, to ease mobility.

John Bosco Akaka, an area elder acquired land in the area in 2018. He noted the resident’s struggle, and appealed for more intervention from the Council’s in future for the community.

The Community revealed to Radio Pacis that they are planning to locally mobilize resources, to fix another pivotal footbridge in area.

Amos Jacan, the Zombo District Youth Chairperson and LCIII contestant for Paidha town council in the 2026 elections, supported the community with nails, stressing the need for key priorities amongst leaders.

Gabriel Okumu, the MP Okoro County through his campaign manager Tito Ocamringa, supported the community with some monetary support, appealing for early notifications for timely intervention.

However Alfred Okecha, the male Councillor central ward, attributed the delay of fixing the footbridge to slow remittance of funds, commending patriotic and collaborative efforts of the locals.