Zombo community fixes major footbridge after months of struggle
As the community works to restore their vital infrastructure, their resolve continues to demonstrate the power of local action in solving communal challenges.
Zombo: Hundreds of residents from Omua and Central Wards in Paidha Town Council, Zombo District, have taken matters into their own hands by locally mobilizing resources to fix the Zingili Footbridge, a vital link in the area.
The community kickstarted the repair work on January 8, 2025, after months of waiting for action from local authorities.
The Zingili Footbridge had been broken for several months, severing a key connection for thousands of residents in this business-oriented town of over 40,000 people.
The situation made it difficult for learners and residents to access key locations, including Christ the King Chapel, Abdeen Mosque, St. Peter’s Church of Uganda, and Paidha Central Market.
Residents expressed frustration with the Paidha Town Council leadership, which they claim has been making unfulfilled promises to fix the bridge since 2001.
Basil Okwong, the LCI Chairperson of Entebbe Cell, Omua Ward, shared his disappointment. “We mobilized 2,000 shillings from each household in our community to fix the footbridge ourselves. If the council can’t come and help us, it’s okay.”
On the morning of January 8, young, able-bodied youths, accompanied by children and elders, gathered to begin the demanding work. Meanwhile, women prepared locally sourced food to keep the workers energized.
Iddi Juma Angili, a resident, called for additional support from well-wishers to complete the project.
Festo Muber, another resident, urged the council leadership to address the deplorable state of roads in the area to ease mobility challenges.
John Bosco Akaka, an elder who acquired land in the area in 2018, applauded the community’s efforts but emphasized the need for future intervention from local authorities to prevent similar situations.
The community also revealed plans to mobilize resources to fix another pivotal footbridge in the area.
Amos Jacan, the Zombo District Youth Chairperson and LCIII candidate for Paidha Town Council in the 2026 elections, donated nails to the project and stressed the need for leaders to prioritize key infrastructure projects.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Okumu, the MP for Okoro County, sent monetary support through his campaign manager, Tito Ocamringa, and called for early notification of such community challenges to allow timely intervention.
However, Alfred Okecha, the Male Councillor for Central Ward, attributed the delay in fixing the bridge to slow remittance of funds but commended the patriotic and collaborative efforts of the residents.
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