Kitgum | Local leaders and residents of the Kitgum Matidi sub-county in Kitgum have expressed concern about the Wang-Oduru Bridge’s poor condition.
The bridge connects Kitgum Matidi sub-county, Kitgum Matidi town council, and Kitgum Municipality.
The bridge, which also connects Mucwini and Lagoro subcounties, has been in disrepair for over ten years, despite numerous community requests.
Toodera Vincent Franko Pakamoi, the LC1 chairperson of Lapana B village in Paibony parish, Kitgum Matidi sub-county, stated that the Wang-Oduru Bridge which connects Paibony parish with neighboring parishes is currently impassable.
He added that schoolchildren from Lumule Primary and Obyem Community Polytechnic, as well as residents in need of healthcare services at Kitgum Matidi Health Centre III, are among those most affected.
During the rainy season, Paibony residents must use alternative routes to access essential services, such as Mucwini West-Kitgum Municipality and Kitgum Matidi town council, or take the Eastern route from Paibony to Lagoro sub-county via Kitgum Matidi town council.
Kidega Simon, the district councilor (LC5) for Kitgum Matidi sub-county, acknowledged the issue and revealed that five people died as a result of bridge accidents between 2021 and 2024.
“Farmers have reported substantial financial losses as they’re unable to transport their goods for sale or processing during the harvest season,” Kidega said.
To address the crisis, local leaders built a makeshift bridge to allow cyclists and pedestrians to move more freely.
However, this temporary solution has proven dangerous, especially in rainy weather.
“Several people have been injured on this makeshift bridge due to the accumulation of mud after rainfall,” Kidega added.
Lapyem Thomas, the LC3 chairperson of Kitgum Matidi sub-county, also highlighted the safety concerns. He noted that the bridge’s poor condition has led to numerous accidents and significant revenue losses for the sub-county.
Moreover, the bridge cannot support vehicles, making it impossible for trucks to transport goods to external markets, a major blow to the local economy.
Farmers, local leaders, and residents are urging the government to intervene and repair the bridge.
The continued deterioration of the temporary structure endangers not only livelihoods but also increases the safety risk for all road users.
In response, Aber Lillian, the State Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, stated that the bridge reconstruction project will cost at least shs1.2 billion.
She assured the community that she is committed to completing the project before January 2026.
The minister also stated that she is working closely with the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project (DRDIP), a department within her ministry, and other stakeholders to ensure the project’s successful implementation.
By Vincent Kaguta
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