SONGA’S INFRASTRUCTURE LEGACY: HOW PARLIAMENTARY ADVOCACY HELPED PUT ZOMBO’S ROADS AND BRIDGES ON THE NATIONAL AGENDA

 Former Ora County MP speaks on the road corridors, bridges and climate-resilient projects he championed

By Adiru Charity | @AfricaPamoja-UG

Former Ora County Member of Parliament Hon. Biyika Lawrence Songa says his years of parliamentary advocacy helped advance Zombo District’s long-standing demand for better roads, bridges and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Speaking to our reporter, hon.Songa said he deliberately used parliamentary oversight, engagement with government ministries and collaboration with development partners to ensure that Zombo’s infrastructure challenges received national attention.

One of the major priorities he pursued was the Nebbi–Goli–Paidha–Padea–Zombo–Zeu–Vurra corridor, which he described as strategically important for communities, agriculture, trade and cross-border connectivity.

Songa said the engineering design for the approximately 130-kilometre corridor was tabled in Parliament during his tenure. However, because of the time that has elapsed, the design is now being updated to reflect current requirements.

Bridges Designed for a Changing Climate

Songa also pointed to his role in promoting climate-resilient infrastructure through the Local Climate Adaptive Living (LoCAL) Facility.

Zombo subsequently benefited from several interventions aimed at addressing vulnerable river crossings and improving year-round connectivity.

Among the projects he cited are the River Ora Bridge at Songoli, River Namthin Bridge and Fada River Bridge.

The Fada River Bridge project was valued at approximately UGX 518.4 million, while the Namthin intervention was designed to improve all-weather connectivity and reduce the difficulties experienced by communities during rainy seasons.

According to Songa, such projects demonstrate the importance of incorporating climate adaptation into infrastructure planning, particularly in areas where flooding frequently disrupts transport.

Opening Agricultural Corridors

Songa further highlighted infrastructure investments linked to agricultural development.

Under the national oilseed programme, the Yamu Road has been completed, while additional works are planned along the Atheju–Ayaka–Yiima–Mavura corridor.

He also cited planned bridge interventions at Ora Ugudu and Adida, alongside proposed works on crossings such as Nyagak Pa Kiru and Nyagak P’Ukecha through the Ministry of Works and Transport.

The infrastructure is expected to improve the movement of agricultural produce from rural communities to markets.

A Regional West Nile Perspective

Songa said his advocacy extended beyond Zombo, covering strategic transport corridors across West Nile.

These included Lia–Odramachaku–Salia Musala, Dei–Panyimur–Pakwach–Wadelai–Rhino Camp–Obongi–Dufile, and Panyimur–Parombo–Erusi–Goli.

He argued that improved roads and bridges are essential for connecting communities to markets, public services and regional trade opportunities.

From Advocacy to Implementation

While Songa’s tenure in Parliament has ended, several of the infrastructure priorities he championed remain part of ongoing development discussions in Zombo and West Nile.

The continued updating of road designs, construction of climate-resilient bridges and investment in agricultural roads point to an infrastructure agenda that has evolved over several years.

For Zombo, the ultimate measure of these efforts will be the completion and sustainability of the projects—ensuring that communities have reliable roads and bridges throughout the year and that farmers, traders and other residents can move their goods and access services more efficiently.

Adiru Charity

@AfricaPamoja-UG