By Mike Rwothomio

In a pivotal development, the Zombo District Local Government has initiated the rehabilitation of the Pagisi-Nebbi road, a critical 7-kilometer arterial linkage facilitating connectivity between Zombo and Nebbi Municipality.

The project, with a capital expenditure of UGX 47.1 million, is engineered to enhance public safety, mitigate accident risks, and optimize emergency response capabilities.

During the project inauguration on April 22 at Gungu village, Cana Parish, Paidha Sub-County, Charles Jakech, representing the Chief Administrative Officer, detailed the technical scope, stating, “The works encompass vegetation clearance, roadbed grading, gravel surfacing, and installation of hydraulic culverts.” 

This intervention addresses longstanding grievances regarding the deteriorated and impassable state of the Pagisi-Namthin road, a vital socioeconomic conduit for the area.

William Okechi, LCIII Chairperson of Paidha Sub-County, lauded the district’s commitment, noting, “This infrastructure investment revitalizes community confidence and catalyzes development.” 

The Pagisi-Nebbi road rehabilitation complements a portfolio of essential services delivered since 2021, including Otheko Health Center III, Amei Seed School (under construction), Namthin Bridge, and the Amei water supply system.

Zombo’s Resident District Commissioner, Festus Ayikobua, described the project as a “socioeconomic enabler,” emphasizing its role in facilitating goods and passenger transport, fostering intercommunity connectivity, and improving access to education, healthcare, and labor markets.

District leaders including the Resident District Commissioner Festus Ayikobua, LCV chairperson James Oruna Oyullu and others flag off the road rehabilitation at Pagisi trading center in Paidha Sub-County on Tuesday April 22, 2025. Photo/ Mike Rwothomio

Ayikobua underscored phased government interventions, acknowledging concerns about the degraded national road while affirming ongoing plans for its rehabilitation.

Ayikobua further advocated for economic diversification, urging, “With enhanced accessibility, stakeholders should capitalize on this infrastructure to establish local markets, improve educational access, and ensure maternal healthcare delivery, while advancing the Parish Development Model (PDM) implementation.”

Concurrently, rehabilitation efforts are underway on the Zale-Kigezi-Ngume road in Zeu Sub-County, with plans to address the Ofaka road, where poor conditions have precipitated frequent accidents, particularly impacting Paidha’s agricultural stakeholders.

Zombo LCV Chairperson James Oruna Oyullu called for community cooperation, particularly from landowners affected by minor land acquisition, assuring minimal disruption.

Songa Biyika Lawrence, MP for Ora County and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Climate Change Committee, reiterated appeals for voluntary land contributions to expedite roadworks.

The Pagisi-Namthin road, previously rehabilitated in 2020, serves as a strategic shortcut between Nebbi and Zombo, enabling farmers to efficiently transport produce to Paidha Central Market and access Nebbi Hospital.

Ayikobua cautioned against road reserve encroachment, noting potential project delays due to noncompliance.

The road project follows the successful completion of Namthin Bridge, Funded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) through the Local Climate Adaptive Living (LoCAL) initiative.

Community stakeholders anticipate significant returns, including accelerated economic growth, optimized transport logistics, enhanced road safety, and improved social outcomes.

Kulasika Dongkare, 82, former Gungu village LCI Chairperson, endorsed the project, urging compliance with road reserve regulations.

Residents Sizza Onega and Charles Ogenmungu emphasized the need for high-quality execution, citing unresolved issues from the 2020 rehabilitation, such as unremoved boulders.

Recently, Zombo District Local Government also commenced the construction of the Fada Bridge, a critical infrastructure project designed to enhance connectivity for rural communities in the region.

With over 400 kilometers of district roads, Zombo faces persistent demands from lower local governments, including Padea Town Council, Warr, and Paidha Sub-Counties, for additional road maintenance and upgrades.

This project underscores the district’s commitment to addressing infrastructure deficits and fostering sustainable economic development.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at Zoomer Africa