(Paidha) – Hundreds of residents from Omua and Central wards in Paidha Town Council, Zombo District, came together on January 8, 2025 to begin repairs on the Zingili footbridge, a vital structure for the community. This initiative was a result of months of frustration, as the local authorities had failed to deliver a permanent solution despite promises made since 2001. The footbridge had been in disrepair for several months, disrupting the connection between various parts of the town and affecting the daily lives of over 40,000 people.
The absence of the footbridge has caused significant challenges for students, residents, and visitors who need to access key places in the area, such as Christ the King Chapel, Abdeen Mosque, St. Peters Church of Uganda, and Paidha Central Market. The lack of proper infrastructure has also caused delays and difficulties in accessing services and businesses that are central to the town’s economy.
Basil Okwong, the LCI chairperson of Entebbe Cell in Omua Ward, expressed his frustration with the delay, highlighting the community’s decision to take matters into their own hands. “We mobilized 2,000 shillings from each household in our community, and now we are fixing the footbridge on our own. If the council can’t come and help us, it’s okay,” Okwong said. The community’s effort was met with a show of solidarity, as both the young and elderly residents gathered early in the morning to begin the repairs, while women cooked food to provide energy for the workers.
Iddi Juma Angili, another resident, called for additional support from well-wishers to ensure the completion of the project. Festo Muber, a resident of Entebbe Cell, also voiced his concerns about the overall state of the roads in the area, calling on local authorities to address the deteriorating infrastructure to improve mobility in the region.
John Bosco Akaka, an elder who moved to the area in 2018, emphasized the struggles the community faces, urging the council to take more proactive steps in addressing the needs of the people. “We hope for more intervention from the council in the future,” he said.
The residents, undeterred by the lack of government action, are also planning to raise funds locally to repair another important footbridge in the area. This reflects the determination of the community to ensure their own well-being and infrastructure, even when external help has been slow to materialize.
Amos Jacan, the Zombo District Youth Chairperson and a candidate for the Paidha Town Council LCIII position in the 2026 elections, supported the community’s initiative by providing nails for the construction. He stressed the importance of leaders prioritizing the needs of the people. Gabriel Okumu, the Member of Parliament for Okoro County, also showed his support by providing financial assistance through his campaign manager Tito Ocamringa, while urging local authorities to act quickly in responding to the needs of the community.
However, Alfred Okecha, the male councillor for Central Ward, explained that the delays in repairing the footbridge were caused by slow remittance of funds. Despite the challenges, he commended the community’s efforts and their willingness to work together to solve the problem.
