Kalembe renews demand for new bridge in West Nile

Independent presidential candidate Nancy Kalembe has renewed calls to construct bridges on River Nile that link Obongi and Moyo districts to facilitate easy movement.

“The government failed to build a bridge because they feel there is nothing to pick from Moyo or Obongi districts. My government will be for all Ugandans under the 56 mission agenda. The bridge will be on that agenda so that people can move anytime,” Ms Kalembe said during her campaign trail in West Nile Sub-region at the weekend.

For decades, people travelling to Moyo, Obongi and Adjumani districts have been using a ferry to cross River Nile. The ferry sets off at 8:30am and stops operations at 5:30pm.

Ms Kalembe also promised to improve infrastructure in the sub-region.

 “Our roads, schools, hospitals are different from other regions. Infrastructure will be for the benefit of the people of Uganda not for a few in the government,” she said.

Obongi County MP Hassan Fungaroo said he has always lobbied government to build a bridge in the area as a means of providing cheap and affordable transport but in vain.

Currently, Uganda National Roads Authority operates two ferries at Laropi and Obongi landing sites.

 Some travellers use boats to cross the Nile, especially when the ferry has broken down or a constrained by time, thus putting their lives at risk. 

Ms Joyce Adania, a frequent traveller from Adjumani to Arua said: “With the current flooding where Obongi ferry is not functioning, we are suffering. It is very risky to use boats.”

In July 2011, three people died after their boat capsized in River Nile. In October 2011, two people also drowned when another boat capsized.