The Moyo and Adjumani District chairpersons-elect have committed to fast-tracking the construction of the Laropi Bridge across the River Nile, describing it as a transformative infrastructure project for the West Nile sub-region.
Vukoni Jimmy Okudi, the Moyo District LC V chairperson-elect, and Anyanzo John Ambayo, the Adjumani District LC V chairperson-elect, said the absence of a permanent bridge linking the two districts has continued to constrain economic activity and disrupt the movement of people and goods.
Vukoni said frequent breakdowns of the Laropi ferry have caused persistent hardship for residents, traders, and farmers.
“Our people suffer every time the ferry breaks down. Farmers cannot easily take their produce to market and traders lose business,” he said, adding that once they assume office, engaging the Ministry of Works and Transport to push the project forward will be a priority.
Anyanzo said the ferry is no longer sufficient for the growing traffic between Adjumani and Moyo, noting that every suspension affects the wider West Nile economy.
“The ferry is sometimes no longer sufficient for the traffic between Adjumani and Moyo. Every time it stops, the entire West Nile region feels the impact,” he said, adding that a permanent bridge would open opportunities for trade, tourism, and faster access to health and education services.
The two leaders made the remarks on Saturday during a press conference held in Moyo Town Council, ahead of victory celebrations for Vukoni at Celecelea Stadium.
They said that alongside infrastructure development, their administrations will prioritise lifting communities out of poverty and improving service delivery, particularly in the health and education sectors.
According to available project information, the proposed Laropi Bridge will span about 1.0 kilometre across the River Nile and is planned alongside the upgrading of the 39.3-kilometre Laropi–Moyo–Afoji road. The project is currently at the procurement and design stage under a design-and-build arrangement.
The road and bridge project is funded by the African Development Bank, which approved a loan of approximately USD 15.22 million, equivalent to about Shs54.3 billion.
The scope includes construction of the River Nile bridge, upgrading of the Laropi–Moyo–Afoji road, and construction of 5km of town roads in Laropi and Moyo.
A tender for construction supervision was expected to close in June 2025, after which full-scale construction is anticipated to commence.
At present, the Laropi ferry remains the only direct crossing point between Adjumani and Moyo districts. However, repeated suspensions due to mechanical faults and routine maintenance have disrupted transport and trade across the region.
Community leaders say the bridge will significantly reduce travel time, improve safety, and enhance regional integration with neighbouring districts and South Sudan.
“The Laropi Bridge is not just for Moyo and Adjumani; it is for the whole West Nile and cross-border trade,” Vukoni said, adding that they will lobby government and development partners to treat the project as a matter of urgency.
Anyanzo said a permanent bridge would also restore reliability and dignity to transport in the region.
“We have lost many productive hours and sometimes lives because people are stranded when the ferry is not operating. A bridge will give our people dignity and reliability in transport,” he said.
Residents and business operators in both districts have welcomed the renewed commitment by the incoming leaders, expressing hope that the long-delayed project will finally take shape and transform transport, trade, and development in West Nile.
