Zombo Initiates Construction of Ugx 500 Million Fada Bridge Project

Zombo Initiates Construction of Ugx 500 Million Fada Bridge Project

By Mike Rwothomio

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

The ambitious project, funded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) under its Local Climate Adaptive Living (LoCAL) initiative, carries an estimated cost of Ugx 518,433,185.

 This engineering endeavor aims to deliver a resilient and sustainable structure to meet the community's long-standing needs.

The April 7, 2025 groundbreaking ceremony, held at Ubimu Cell, Abira West Ward, Zombo Town Council, drew hundreds of local residents, many of whom had previously expressed skepticism about the project's realization.

The Fada Bridge will serve as a vital link, connecting Warr Sub-County, Zombo Town Council, Got Cam Primary School, Atyenda Trading Center, Agyermac Health Center III, and other essential facilities.

 This infrastructure upgrade is expected to significantly improve accessibility and socioeconomic activity in the area.

During the launch, Zombo’s LCV Chairperson, James Oruna Oyullu, praised the government and UNCDF for their support, emphasizing that the Fada Bridge is one of several ongoing infrastructure developments in the district. 

Oyullu urged the community to back local leadership, promising additional projects such as road construction following the bridge's completion.

“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 stated.

 He expressed confidence in the contractor’s track record, adding, “We expect high-quality work that delivers durability and structural integrity.”

Oyullu assured the contractor of full district support, stressing the importance of adhering to engineering standards and ensuring value for money.

The construction of the Fada Bridge comes nearly 50 years after its last iteration, addressing decades of challenges posed by a makeshift footbridge frequently destroyed by the powerful Fada Stream. 

Historical records indicate the original bridge was built in 1970 under then-Internal Affairs Minister Oringi.

The UNCDF’s LoCAL project integrates performance-based climate resilience grants (PBCRGs) with technical assistance, reinforcing national and sub-national systems to mobilize climate-adaptive infrastructure financing.

The Fada Bridge marks the third major UNCDF-funded LoCAL bridge in Zombo District since 2021, following the near-completion of the Songoli and Namthin bridges, which are slated for commissioning soon.

Isaac Ngagenu, Zombo’s District Civil Engineer overseeing the Works Department, explained that the project incorporates a triple-cell box culvert system with an overall span of 12 meters. 

“This design will facilitate efficient water flow and mitigate flooding risks,” Ngagenu noted. “We’ve handed over the site to Whimsy Uganda Limited, and we anticipate project completion within six months or less.”

Ngagenu emphasized the need for collaboration between the contractor and the community to ensure smooth execution of the civil works.

Francis Ojoro, Managing Director of Whimsy Construction Limited, the firm tasked with the project, committed to delivering a robust and reliable structure. He requested security support from local leaders to prevent disruptions, particularly from children playing near the construction zone.

Assistant Resident District Commissioner Bruno Manano underscored the importance of “value for money,” promising rigorous oversight. 

He encouraged the community to take ownership of the project throughout its lifecycle.

Local Leaders’ Perspectives

James Cekecan Apoy, LCIII Chairperson of Warr Sub-County, remarked, “People had lost hope for this bridge after years of struggle.”

 He advocated for the employment of local skilled and unskilled youth in the construction process.

Francis Bolingo, District Councilor for Athuma Sub-County, urged the contractor to prioritize community needs and cautioned laborers against social misconduct.

Naftali Ocamagiu, LCIII Chairperson of Zombo Town Council, praised residents for donating land to accommodate the bridge’s extended footprint, urging swift progress ahead of the rainy season.

Mike Joram Anyolitho, District Councilor and Chairperson of the Social Services Committee, commended the initiative and called for mechanized road improvements to complement the bridge and address persistent access challenges.

Community Voices

Daniel Ojigi Chidhu, a 98-year-old resident, recalled the bridge’s troubled history since the 1950s, expressing hope for a durable solution.

Selemia Binen, an elder from Ayida Village, Pakia Parish, Warr Sub-County, said, “We’ve faced countless difficulties. We thank Zombo’s leaders for this long-overdue project.”

Edmond Rwothomio, another Ayida Village resident, highlighted past struggles with transporting goods, noting, “Trips to the trading center cost us Ugx 10,000 each, and women bore the heaviest burden. This bridge will change that.”

Technical and Funding Context

The UNCDF’s LoCAL Facility is an internationally recognized mechanism that empowers local governments in developing nations to access climate finance and technical support for adaptive infrastructure. 

In West Nile, the initiative is active in Zombo and Nebbi districts, delivering projects like the Fada Bridge to bolster resilience against climate challenges.