local news 13 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kitgum Residents Face Hardship Due to Lack of Bridges Over River Pager
Residents of Kitgum District are experiencing significant disruptions in accessing essential services, including healthcare, education, and markets, due to the persistent absence of bridges across the River Pager. The lack of proper crossings has led to increased costs for farmers and has even resulted in tragic loss of life. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kitgum-locals-decry-lack-of-bridge-on-river-pager-5629994
Communities in Kitgum District, particularly in Chwa West County, are grappling with severe challenges caused by the lack of bridges over the River Pager. The river’s crossing becomes treacherous during the rainy season, cutting off residents from vital services.
Local residents report that the absence of a bridge severely hampers livelihoods. Farmers struggle to transport their produce to markets, often forced to sell to middlemen at lower prices. Students face difficulties attending school, and patients are unable to reach health facilities promptly. “That is our biggest problem. The government should urgently help us to establish a bridge as we do our best to maintain the roads,” stated Bosco Ouma, a resident.
The Member of Parliament for Chwa West County, Mr. Simon Peter Oryema Adum, highlighted that the lack of reliable crossings has crippled agricultural trade. Farmers in Labongo Layamo Sub-county cannot get their harvests to market, while those in Kitgum Matidi Sub-county face similar issues. MP Oryema attributed past delays to political disputes rather than focusing on a solution.
A planned bridge project under the National Oil Seed Project stalled due to funding shortfalls, leaving residents to create makeshift crossings. This has led to increased transportation costs for commercial farmers like Thomas Ouma, who now pays significantly more to get his produce to market. Tragically, the river has also claimed lives, with a mother and daughter drowning in June while attempting to cross for medical attention.
Health workers also face obstacles delivering essential services like vaccines. The current community-built crossing is not a sustainable solution. MP Oryema emphasized the need for at least two bridges to improve connectivity, revive economic activity, and ensure access to education, healthcare, and trade.
Kitgum District Chairperson, Mr. Tonny Blair Toolit, acknowledged the funding constraints that have delayed the establishment of even temporary crossings. He indicated that the district is now relying on the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project (DRDIP), implemented through the Office of the Prime Minister, to address these critical infrastructure gaps.