Zombo, Uganda: The incumbent Member of Parliament for Oraa County in Zombo District, Hon. Songa Lawrence Biyika, has officially launched his re-election bid for the 12th Parliament, pledging to complete ongoing infrastructure, education, and healthcare projects that he says are already transforming the lives of his constituents.
Biyika, who first entered Parliament in 2016, is seeking a third consecutive term, highlighting his record in lobbying for roads, bridges, gravity-fed irrigation schemes, and health facilities across the West Nile region.
“Since I joined Parliament, I have consistently pushed for projects that address real needs. From skilling youth to supporting primary leavers and strengthening health centres, our work is tangible,” he said in an interview with this publication.
The legislator pointed to his stewardship of the Parliamentary Committee on Climate Change, his tenure as Deputy Chairperson for Environment and Natural Resources, and his leadership of the West Nile Parliamentary Caucus as proof of his national relevance.
Projects and Plans for 2026–2031
Biyika outlined several priority areas, including:
- Advocating for an Agricultural College of Muni University in Zombo to improve access to higher education and boost agribusiness.
- Upgrading health facilities including Kulimao, Kango, and Zeu health centres, and securing an ambulance for the constituency.
- Following up on the Nebbi–Goli–Paidha–Padea–Zombo–Warr–Vurra Road, a 119km corridor critical for trade with Central Africa.
- Promoting youth enrollment in the West Nile Presidential Skilling Hub.
- Implementing climate-resilient infrastructure under a national pilot project targeting 37 districts including Zombo.
- Improving school WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) facilities, especially to keep girls in school.
- Fighting malnutrition through nutrition education programs.
- Supporting the private-sector-led construction of a district hospital, including partnerships with local foundations.
He also revealed that UGX 400 million had been disbursed to women-led village savings groups and 81 pupils who scored first or second grade in P.7 last year were supported with mattresses and scholastic materials to ease their transition into secondary education.
Mixed Views from the Electorate
While some youth and civic leaders have lauded Biyika’s eloquence and consistency in raising key issues, others expressed concern over the implementation gap.
Rwothomio Sam, a youth activist in Zombo District, said Hon Songa Lawrence Biyika has been a vocal member of Parliament because of his good communication skills and has advocated for many initiatives for the people of Oraa and Westnile region.
“The challenge has been the implementation of the things he advocates for, but we have seen him demand roads both in Parliament and at events the president has been invited to,” said Rwothomio.
Unfulfilled government promises on the much-demanded construction of a 119km stretch of road still ring in the minds of the electorate in Zombo district and have since turned into a yardstick to gauge the performance of members of parliament from the district based on individual or team efforts in fronting the cause.
Bolingo Francis urged the electorate to choose leaders who can articulate the challenges of the district on the floor and cause a positive impact.
“We are good at voting, but in terms of development, Zombo is the least developed in the entire Uganda. The roads are very bad, no district referral hospital, and power is not connected to rural areas,” he remarked
Zombo District has two counties, Oraa and Okoro, each represented by a directly elected MP, alongside the District Woman Representative.
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