Colonial-era bridge crumbles as Madi-Okollo cries out for help

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Communities in Madi-Okollo district have raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of Ora 2 Bridge, which connects the district to Nebbi and Zombo. Residents are calling for urgent government intervention to replace the rotten timber decks that now pose a serious safety hazard.

The bridge, which crosses the River Ora along the 58km Ullepi-Offaka-Anyiribu road, was originally constructed during colonial times using metallic frames installed on concrete piers and timber decking. Over the years, the timber has rotted, requiring frequent repairs.

A visit by New Vision to the site on July 11, 2025, revealed that many of the timber decks have completely deteriorated, with several already detached from the metal frame. Local leaders and residents are appealing for an emergency fix.

Alfred Candiga, LC1 chairperson of Arara A and B villages in Offaka sub-county, said the bridge, located in Ombaci village, is in a dire state.

"The bridge has lived for a long time. Though there has not been a serious accident, the leaders must act now,” he said. “We’ve tried community-led repairs, but the damage is beyond our capacity. The metallic supports have rusted, and the timber is rotten.”

Candiga noted that the state of the bridge has hindered access to schools, health facilities, markets and other services. He urged leaders to take action now, especially during the election season.

He added that the Giligili Market, a key trading centre in Offaka sub-county, has suffered as poor road conditions have discouraged vehicular traffic. Despite repeated complaints, he said, the district has yet to act, claiming that the bridge falls under the Ministry of Works' jurisdiction for replacement.

Najida Ayesiga, a resident and businesswoman from Ullepi sub-county, said stagnant water and heavy rains make the road impassable, especially for children on their way to school. "Travelling by motorcycle or bicycle becomes a challenge when you meet flooded sections early in the morning," she said.

Boda boda rider Collins Adriko from Ndabu village in Ocebu parish said the poor road network has hurt their business. "We’ve had many accidents, especially in the rainy season, and passengers often blame us,” he said. “We’ve raised the issue at district meetings, but there’s been no action.”

Adriko pointed to the Ullepi-Arijoda road as another badly damaged route needing urgent repair. He expressed frustration at elected leaders who only show up during campaign periods but fail to deliver services.

Francis Onziga, another resident of Offaka sub-county, said the poor state of the bridge has affected local trade. "The timber decks were last replaced 10 years ago by a good Samaritan, and now they’ve rotted. Business in Offaka market has declined,” he said.

He also criticised the area MP, Isaac Etuka Joakino, for inaction despite residing in the area and regularly using the same road and bridge.

Kennedy Afayoa, a businessman, recently survived an accident on the bridge. "A vehicle passed before us and dislodged some timbers. While crossing with a passenger, we fell onto the exposed metal frames. We were lucky to survive,” he said.

Afayoa stressed that businesses suffer when roads and bridges are neglected. “Good infrastructure helps reduce delays and costs.”

Martin Drito, the former MP for Madi-Okollo, said the bridge had previously been budgeted for during the 2015/16 financial year, and that initial construction started in 2017, after he had left office.

“This current bridge, Ora 2, which links Ulepi, Offaka and Anyiribu to Nebbi and Zombo, must be prioritised,” Drito said, pledging to ensure the government acts if he is re-elected. He noted that the Ministry of Works had completed the preliminary work, and that current leaders need to follow up.

“The bridge is vital to trade. It connects Zombo traders to Madi-Okollo and Arua markets. Long detours raise costs for traders,” he said.

Drito added that road infrastructure in Madi-Okollo is poor and needs urgent investment. Roads such as Inde–Okollo–Uleppi–Offaka–Anyiribu–Nebbi must be tarmacked.

Current MP Isaac Etuka Joakino acknowledged that the bridge was built in the 1940s and has been declared unfit for motorists. He said the bridge has been inspected under a presidential directive issued on November 8, 2019. The Ministry of Works has completed designs, and a contractor has been selected.

“The district is committed to routine maintenance while we wait for the new construction. Timber has already been procured for temporary repairs,” Etuka said. “The road is essential, connecting Uleppi to Offaka-Anyiribu to Nebbi and Zombo. The bridge also supports access to key markets like Gilgili and Alaba, which are now in decline.”

Etuka said previous bridges—Aji and Ora 1—were constructed at a combined cost of sh18.2 billion, while Ora 2 is expected to cost sh8 billion. However, he blamed delays on bureaucracy, as the road is still under district management despite proposals to transfer oversight to the ministry.

Madi-Okollo district engineer Godfrey Aluonzi confirmed that timber has been secured and repair works will begin shortly, pending the Ministry’s full reconstruction plan.