Major Gen. Dick Olum helps rebuild Zombo’s Leda footbridge in community give-back initiative

Zombo: Major Gen. Dick Olum, the Ugandan peace envoy to Sudan, has joined the communities of Athuma and Abanga sub-counties in Zombo District to repair the deteriorating Leda Footbridge, a crucial link between the two sub-counties and surrounding areas.

This initiative is part of Gen. Olum’s efforts to give back to his rural community in Zombo District.

During a visit by this publication, hundreds of locals both elders and youth were seen working at the site, some preparing food for the workers while lively Lingala music played, creating an energetic atmosphere.

Gen. Olum was personally involved in the project, working alongside his team to transport heavy logs from over 500 meters away, placing them across the stream, among other tasks.

Speaking to the community on the morning of February 18, 2025, he praised the local leaders and residents for their robust mobilization, assuring them that the work would be completed in the shortest time possible.

Gen. Olum further guaranteed that the footbridge, once finished, would last for over 30 years due to the high-quality materials being used in its construction. He urged the locals to take ownership of the footbridge to prevent vandalism.

This marks the third footbridge Gen. Olum has repaired within a short time, demonstrating his commitment to improving local infrastructure.

Richard Awekunimungu, the LCIII Chairperson of Abanga Sub-county, commended Gen. Olum for his initiative, noting that the sub-county’s annual road funds of 2.8 million shillings are insufficient to address the area’s infrastructure challenges. Awekunimungu appealed to the government for increased funding to improve roads and infrastructure.

The new footbridge will connect the community to important locations like Pakhada Health Center III, Pakhada and Kasala Primary Schools, Nyapea Hospital, and several churches.

Genario Onegiu, the LCIII Chairperson of Athuma Sub-county, also praised Gen. Olum for his generosity and commitment to the community, requesting continued support for the Songea Primary School-connecting footbridge.

Meanwhile, James Oruna Oyullu, the LCV Chairperson of Zombo, who provided monetary support for the initiative, clarified that the footbridge falls under the jurisdiction of the sub-counties and commended Gen. Olum for his community-focused approach.

Oruna assured the public that the district is working to improve infrastructure, including the ongoing Nyapea-Athuma-Jangokoro Sub-county road rehabilitation project.

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