Shs367m 12-metre footbridge to ease cross-border trade in Nebbi, DR Congo

Nebbi, Uganda: Nebbi District Local Government has commissioned a 12-metre steel footbridge over River Nyibola in Jupathombu Village, Jupangira Sub-county, a project aimed at improving cross-border movement and trade between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The bridge was constructed with funding from the United Nations Capital Development Fund through the Ministry of Local Government, Uganda, at a cost of Shs367.5 million.

District officials say the infrastructure will ease mobility challenges that have long affected residents on both sides of the border.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Nebbi District Natural Resources Officer Doreen Fauling said the project was implemented to address the absence of safe crossing points for communities that depend on the river for daily movement.

“Due to lack of alternative bridge access for the affected communities of Nebbi District and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the steel footbridge will help improve access to health facilities, education, and trade opportunities,” Fauling said.

She thanked the Ministry of Local Government and UNCDF for supporting the project, noting that it will significantly improve livelihoods and strengthen cooperation between communities living along the Uganda–DR Congo border.

Adima Morish, a Technical Support Officer at the United Nations Capital Development Fund, said the initiative aligns with UNCDF’s broader mission to promote poverty reduction and local economic development.

“With its capital mandate and instruments, UNCDF provides ‘last-mile’ financing models that unlock public and private resources to reduce poverty and support local economic development,” Morish said.

He noted that improved infrastructure such as bridges and roads plays a critical role in enhancing trade and social services in border communities.

The Director of PEGOSA Engineering Works, Omara Samuel, whose firm constructed the bridge, said the company prioritised quality work and local content during the implementation of the project. He commended district leaders and communities for their cooperation during construction.

Local leaders from both Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo welcomed the project, saying it will significantly ease cross-border interaction.

Mungureck Moses, LC1 Chairperson of Agyero Village in DR Congo, said the bridge will strengthen trade relations and improve access to essential services.

“As communities of Agyero village in the Democratic Republic of Congo who are brothers and sisters of Uganda, we believe the commissioning of the River Nyibola steel footbridge will make life easier in terms of trade, health access and education,” he said.

Residents of Jupathombu village also expressed optimism that the bridge will transform local livelihoods. Achikani Zuliaka, a small-scale trader in the area, said the bridge will ease the challenges women traders face while transporting goods across the border.

“With this bridge, movement between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo will become easier, especially for women who engage in small-scale cross-border trade,” she said.

Nebbi District LC5 Chairperson Urombi Emmanuel described the bridge as a major milestone in improving connectivity within the district. He urged residents to safeguard the facility to ensure it serves communities for many years.

Similarly, Deputy Resident District Commissioner Paul Bweri Ogallo called on beneficiaries to take responsibility for protecting the infrastructure against vandalism.

“As government, we remain committed to improving movement connectivity in the district to address transport challenges that affect traders, especially women who travel long distances daily in search of goods,” Ogallo said.

The steel footbridge is expected to significantly improve mobility for residents of Jupangira Sub-county in Nebbi District and neighbouring communities in DR Congo, boosting trade, education access, and healthcare connectivity.