By Mike Rwothomio
Hundreds of residents from Omua and Central wards, Paidha town Council , Zombo district, have mobilized resources locally, to kickstart the fixing of a pivotal Zingili footbridge on January 8, 2025.
This collaborative move is their last-ditch effort, having failed for months to get impactful response from Paidha town council leadership, that they claim started promising them a Parmanent solution since 2001.
Zingili footbridge broke down months ago, cutting off connection for thousands of residents from the inner and outer ring of the bussiness- 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 kickstart 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 status in the area, to ease mobility.
John Bosco Akaka, an area elder acquired land in the area in 2018. He noted of the resident’s struggle e, and appealed for more Council’s future intervention for the community.
The Community told this Publication that they are planning to locally mobilize resources, to fix another pivotal footbridge in area.
Amos Jacan, the Zombo District Youth Chairperson and LCIII constant 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 for 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.
