Zombo District Local Government has officially launched the construction of the Fada Bridge, a UGX 518 million infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity and socio-economic activity in rural communities.
The project, funded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) under its Local Climate Adaptive Living (LoCAL) initiative, was inaugurated on April 7, 2025, during a groundbreaking ceremony held at Ubimu Cell, Abira West Ward, Zombo Town Council.
The bridge is designed to serve as a critical transport link connecting Warr Sub-county, Zombo Town Council, Got Cam Primary School, Atyenda Trading Centre, Agyermac Health Centre III, and other vital institutions.
At the launch, Zombo LCV Chairperson James Oruna Oyullu commended the government and UNCDF for supporting the initiative. He noted that the bridge is one of several infrastructure projects intended to accelerate development in the district.
“I want to thank the government and UNCDF for this support. This is what we’ve been advocating for the people of Zombo, Warr, and Athuma,” Oyullu said. He urged residents to support the district’s development agenda and pledged more projects, including road construction, upon completion of the bridge.
Oyullu expressed confidence in the selected contractor, Whimsy Uganda Limited, and emphasised the importance of adhering to engineering standards and ensuring value for money.
The construction of the Fada Bridge marks a significant milestone, coming nearly five decades after the collapse of the original bridge, which was built in 1970 under the leadership of then-Internal Affairs Minister Oringi. A makeshift footbridge was the only crossing point over the Fada Stream for years, frequently washed away during floods.
District Civil Engineer Isaac Ngagenu explained that the new structure will feature a triple-cell box culvert system spanning 12 metres, designed to enhance water flow and reduce flood risks. He said the project is expected to be completed within six months or less.
“We’ve handed over the site to the contractor, and we’re confident the project will be delivered on time,” Ngagenu said, calling for collaboration between the community and the contractor to ensure a smooth process.
Francis Ojoro, Managing Director of Whimsy Uganda Limited, assured stakeholders of quality workmanship and requested community support in securing the site, especially from children who may stray into the construction zone.
Assistant Resident District Commissioner Bruno Manano pledged close supervision and emphasised the importance of community ownership and transparency throughout the project.
Local leaders welcomed the project as a long-awaited development. James Cekecan Apoy, LCIII Chairperson of Warr Sub-county, acknowledged past frustrations among residents and urged the contractor to hire local youth.
Francis Bolingo, District Councilor for Athuma Sub-county, echoed calls for community engagement and discipline among labourers.
Naftali Ocamagiu, LCIII Chairperson of Zombo Town Council, thanked residents who donated land for the bridge and urged timely completion to beat the onset of the rainy season.
Mike Joram Anyolitho, District Councilor and chairperson of the Social Services Committee, praised the UNCDF initiative and called for accompanying road upgrades to maximize the bridge’s impact.
Elderly residents shared memories of enduring challenges due to the lack of a proper bridge. Daniel Ojigi Chidhu, 98, said he had witnessed the Fada crossing struggle since the 1950s. “This is the first real hope I’ve seen in decades,” he said.
Selemia Binen, a community elder from Ayida Village, and Edmond Rwothomio, a resident, noted the economic toll the lack of access had taken. “Women suffered the most,” Rwothomio said. “It costs UGX 10,000 for every trip to the trading centre. This bridge will change lives.”
The Fada Bridge is the third major project implemented in Zombo under UNCDF’s LoCAL programme since 2021, following the Songoli and Namthin bridges, which are nearing commissioning.
The LoCAL initiative integrates performance-based climate resilience grants with technical support to help local governments access climate finance and develop adaptive infrastructure.
In West Nile, LoCAL is active in Zombo and Nebbi districts, helping communities respond to climate-related vulnerabilities through sustainable development projects.
