Zombo Community fixes major  footbridge after months of struggle

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.