ZOMBO, UGANDA: The construction of the 22-metre River Ora Bridge in Atyak Sub-county is progressing steadily, with authorities projecting completion by June 2026 as part of a major infrastructure push to unlock agricultural markets in West Nile.
The project, being implemented under the National Oilseeds Project (NOSP), has entered a critical phase, with contractor Azu Properties Ltd currently undertaking reinforcement works on abutment foundations and the central pier.
According to a statement from Zombo District Communications Officer Alex Pithua, earlier works including road opening, river diversion, and cofferdam construction have already been completed.
The bridge, initially scheduled for completion within eight months, has had its timeline revised to 13 months, reflecting the scale and technical demands of the works.
Valued at Shs2.4 billion, the project also includes the rehabilitation of approximately 13.9 kilometres of community access roads linking Yamu Trading Centre through Ugudu-Angol to River Ora, and extending to Luku Trading Centre, Lazebu, and Anyakua.
The upgraded route will connect to the tarmacked national road in Bondo, Arua District, significantly improving transport and market access.
District leaders say the infrastructure will be a game-changer for farmers in Atyak Sub-county, Warr Sub-county, and Warr Town Council, who have long struggled with poor road networks and unreliable river crossings.
“For years, farmers have faced challenges transporting their produce to Arua markets due to poor infrastructure,” said Denis Dongwa, the district councillor for Atyak Sub-county. “This bridge and road network will open up economic opportunities.”
The project is part of the wider National Oilseeds Project (2021–2028), a $144.5 million initiative funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the OPEC Fund for International Development, and the Government of Uganda.
NOSP aims to support over 120,000 smallholder households by strengthening value chains for key crops including sunflower, soybean, sesame, and groundnuts, while improving rural infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance market linkages.
Zombo District officials say the River Ora Bridge is a strategic investment that will not only improve connectivity but also accelerate the commercialization of agriculture in the region.
Authorities have urged residents to support the project by observing safety guidelines, avoiding construction zones, and embracing the infrastructure as a shared asset for community development.
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