By Mike Rwothomio

The Member of Parliament for Ora County in Zombo District, Hon. Songa Biyika Lawrence, outlined key government achievements in health, education, infrastructure, and legislation over the past years during a press conference at Zombo District headquarters.

As Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Climate Change and Natural Resources, Songa emphasized that these accomplishments justify his bid for re-election in the upcoming National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries, aiming to extend his leadership term to 15 years.

Government Projects in Zombo District (2020–2025)Health Sector Advancements:Otheko Health Centre Upgrade: The government allocated UGX 900 million to upgrade Otheko Health Centre II to Health Centre III in Paidha Sub-County, commissioned in July 2024. This upgrade enhances access to essential healthcare services, including maternity and general wards, serving over 20,000 residents and addressing referral challenges to distant facilities like Nyapea and Nebbi General Hospitals.

MP Songa Biyika Lawrence addresses journalists at Zombo District Headquarters.

Amwonyu Health Centre Upgrade: A similar UGX 900 million investment is facilitating the ongoing upgrade of Amwonyu Health Centre II to Health Centre III in Aka Sub-County, improving primary healthcare delivery.

Warr Health Centre IV Pharmaceutical Store: A UGX over 700 million pharmaceutical store is under construction at Warr Health Centre IV to bolster medical supply chains.

Songa highlighted the strain on health facilities along the Uganda-DR Congo border, overwhelmed by high patient volumes from DR Congo. He called for collaborative efforts to address staffing gaps and ensure sustainable healthcare delivery.

Education Sector Initiatives: Through their advocacy, the government established Atyak Seed Secondary School in Atyak Sub-County. Additional schools are under development in Amei (Paidha Sub-County), Alangi (Alangi Sub-County), and Kango, with plans for further expansion in Aka and Zombo Town Council. These schools aim to enhance access to quality secondary education in rural areas.

Since 2016, Songa’s foundation has supported top-performing Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) students with scholastic materials. Annually , over 80 learners in Ora county received mattresses, geometrical sets, and books, to ease the financial burden on parents and promoting educational equity.

The 7-kilometer Pagisi-Nebbi road was rehabilitated in April 2025 with UGX 47.1 million, improving connectivity between Zombo and Nebbi Municipality, facilitating agricultural trade, and enhancing access to healthcare and education. Additional roads, including Zale-Kigezi-Ngume are under rehabilitation to reduce accidents and improve transport efficiency.

Nebbi-Goli-Paidha-Zeu-Warr-Vurra Road: The 119-kilometer road remains a critical concern due to its poor condition with government frequently giving commitment on tarmacing it without specifying commencement timeframe .

Songa said their persistent advocacy, including raising the issue in Parliament and directly with President Museveni, prompted commitments for rehabilitation of local government roads.

 An annual UGX 1 billion allocation for local government for road maintenance has been secured.

On Pilot Irrigation Schemes, Songa highlights their role in advocating for irrigation schemes in Atyak and Zeu to boost agricultural productivity for smallholder farmers, aligning with national food security and economic development goals.

He also highlighted that his leadership in the Climate Change and Natural Resources Committee has driven policy advocacy for sustainable development, including securing funding for infrastructure and social services. His efforts in Parliament have amplified Zombo’s needs, particularly for road and health infrastructure, at the national level.

Political Contestation in Ora County

The NRM primaries in Ora County are highly competitive, with Songa facing formidable challengers:Hon. Grace Freedom Kwiocwiny: A former State Minister for Northern Uganda and Zombo Woman MP (2011–2021), Kwiocwiny has declared her candidacy for Ora County’s parliamentary seat. Her experience and recent public engagements signal a strong comeback bid, leveraging her regional influence and support from local leaders.

Jagenu Alex and Others: Emerging candidates like Jagenu Alex add to the crowded field, intensifying the contest.

The 2021 NRM primaries highlighted the competitive nature of Ora County’s politics, with Songa maintaining a strong foothold despite challenges. The 2026 elections are expected to be influenced by financial resources.

Hon. Songa Biyika Lawrence’s tenure has delivered tangible progress in health, education, and infrastructure, supported by his legislative advocacy.

This is our meet the press episode, contact our desk for interviews.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot news