By Mike Rwothomio
Major Gen Dick Olum, the Ugandan peace envoy to Sudan, has joined community of Athuma and Abanga sub- counties, in Zombo to fix the deplorable Leda footbridge, a pivotal connector between the two sub counties and other neighboring areas.
This is part of his initiatives of giving back to his rural community of Zombo District.
When a reporter of this publication visited the site where work was ongoing, Hundreds of elders and youths had converged at the site , with some preparing food to energize them as foot stomping lingala songs plays setting a workable environment for everyone.
Surprisingly , Major General Dick Olum was personally involved in undertaking the work with his men , that included ferrying heavy and weighty logs from over 500 meters away from the site, placing the logs across the stream amongst others.
Speaking to the community where the work commenced in the morning of february 17, 2025, Major General Dick Olum hailed local leaders and community for their robust mobilization, assuring of clearing the work within the shortest time possible.
He assured local leaders and the community that the footbridge upon completion will last for over 30 years, given the quality materials being used for it’s construction.
He urged locals to own the footbridge and avoid vandalism.
This is the third footbridge he is fixing within a short period of time.
The LCIII Chairperson of Abanga sub- county Richard Awekunimungu, lauded Major General Dick Olum for the initiative, highlighting how they are anualy struggling with the budget of only shillings 2.8 million for road funds.
Aweku appealed to the government to increase their road fund budget to address the challenge of deplorable infrastructures all over the area.
The footbridge constructed connects community to places like Pakadha Health center III, Pakadha and Kasala Primary Schools, Nyapea Hospital, churches amongst others.
Genario Onegiu , the LCIII Chairperson of Athuma Sub county equally commended Major General Dick Olum for his open heart, appealing for his support towards Leda footbridge that connects to Songea Primary school.
Meanwhile the LCV chairperson of Zombo James Oruna Oyullu who boosted the initiative with some unspecified monetary support, clarified that the footbridge falls under the sub counties and commended Major General Dick Olum for having community at heart.
He assured of the district efforts in addressing some infrastructure challenges, adding that they are working around the clock to commence road rehabilitation that connects Nyapea-Athuma- Jangokoro Sub-Counties to ease accessibility.
Major General Dick Olum join community of Athuma and Jangokoro Sub-Counties to fix Leda footbridge on Monday February 17 , 2025
Photo/Mike Rwothomio
