By Mike Rwothomio

Residents of Athuma and Jangokoro sub-counties in Zombo District have successfully repaired the Nyagak Paa Okecha footbridge after it was washed away by pounding and driving Easter Sunday rains, restoring critical access for thousands of people in the agrarian communities.

The footbridge, which links the two sub-counties through Gombiri and Kawa villages, provides essential connectivity to health facilities, schools, markets, and trade routes.

Its collapse for several hours severely disrupted service delivery, prompting an immediate community-led emergency response.

Simon Kisa, area councilor for Patek Parish in Jangokoro Sub-County, said local leaders mobilized residents who contributed labor, construction materials, and small monetary donations , some as little as Ugx 100 to complete the repairs quickly.

“As the situation got out of hand, we mobilized and started work. People were able to help us with as low as Ugx 100 shillings to support the work. As I talk now, our community can pass on the bridge with ease,” Kisa said, commending the strong community spirit and collective support.

Ongey Fred Anecho, LCI Chairperson of Opayu village, and Denis Owekdongwa, LCI Chairperson of Kawa village, have appealed for government and partner support. They described the bridge as a vital “artery” for accessing schools, markets, and health services, urging NGOs, development partners, and well-wishers to step in with sustainable solutions for the flood-prone area.

Francis Bolingo, district councilor for Athuma Sub-County, visited the site and extended some support while assuring residents that the district is actively working on a long term solution.

Zombo District, traversed by major rivers including Nyagak, Ora, Ayuda, and Leda, frequently faces footbridge washouts during rainy seasons, cutting off communities from essential services.

Despite ongoing district efforts, funding constraints and competing priorities continue to limit rapid responses.

Bolingo, Councillor of Athuma sub county said the community-driven repair of Nyagak Paa Okecha highlights the resilience and self-reliance of Zombo residents, stressing the need for more robust, climate-resilient infrastructure investments in the district.

Mustafa Ongom, Secretary for Finance, Planning and Administration, noted that the draft budget for FY 2026/27 allocates Ugx 1.8 billion (4.95%) to the Works and Engineering department. 

He expressed confidence that, once approved, the allocation will help tackle some of the persistent infrastructural gaps.

Under the LoCAL (Local Climate Adaptive Living) project, the district has recently constructed two major footbridges, Songoli and Namthin which have eased long-standing access problems for residents.

In a related development, the agrarian community in Yil, Atyak Sub-County, continues to grapple with access challenges due to the poor state of the Nyagak Paa Bruno footbridge.

Ora County MP Songa Biyika Lawrence has confirmed that the bridge, along with associated roads, will be constructed under the LoCAL project. The site has historically claimed over 30 lives in the past two decades due to its precarious condition.

Community mobilize for the repair of the footbridge

Community repair Nyagak Paa Okecha footbridge

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