Zombo, Uganda – April 23, 2025
In a major stride toward regional development, the Zombo District Local Government has commenced the rehabilitation of the Pagisi-Nebbi road—a 7-kilometer critical artery connecting Zombo and Nebbi Municipality.
The UGX 47.1 million project is aimed at improving road safety, reducing accidents, and strengthening emergency response efforts.
The project was officially launched on April 22 at Gungu Village, Cana Parish, Paidha Sub-County. Representing the Chief Administrative Officer, Charles Jakech outlined the technical scope of the work, which includes vegetation clearance, roadbed grading, gravel surfacing, and the installation of hydraulic culverts.
“This intervention responds to long-standing community concerns over the deteriorated state of the Pagisi-Namthin road, a vital socioeconomic lifeline,” Jakech emphasized.
Local leaders welcomed the move. William Okechi, LCIII Chairperson of Paidha Sub-County, praised the district’s commitment, saying, “This infrastructure investment revitalizes community confidence and acts as a catalyst for local development.”
Zombo Resident District Commissioner Festus Ayikobua described the project as a “socioeconomic enabler,” noting its potential to improve access to education, healthcare, labor markets, and inter-community trade. He also assured residents of ongoing plans to rehabilitate the national road network, while advocating for economic diversification through infrastructure use.
“With better roads, stakeholders can set up local markets, boost school attendance, and improve maternal healthcare services, especially under the Parish Development Model (PDM),” Ayikobua urged.
The road upgrade is part of a broader infrastructure package delivered in the district since 2021, including the construction of Otheko Health Center II, Amei Seed School, Namthin Bridge, and the Amei water supply system.
Rehabilitation works are also ongoing on the Zale-Kigezi-Ngume road in Zeu Sub-County, with future plans targeting the Ofaka road—known for frequent accidents that have hampered agricultural transportation in the region.
Zombo LCV Chairperson James Oruna Oyullu called for cooperation from landowners affected by minor land acquisition, assuring them of minimal disruption. Songa Biyika Lawrence, MP for Ora County and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Climate Change Committee, echoed the sentiment, appealing for voluntary land contributions to accelerate roadworks.
First rehabilitated in 2020, the Pagisi-Namthin road remains a strategic shortcut for farmers transporting produce to Paidha Central Market and accessing Nebbi Hospital, underscoring its continued importance in the region’s economic fabric.
