President Museveni Pledges to Construct Laropi Bridge During Adjumani Visit

Adjumani District — Adjumani was painted yellow yesterday as supporters of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) gathered at Paridi Stadium to welcome President Yoweri Museveni during his campaign tour of the region.

The North West town was filled with music, chants, and songs praising the NRM leader. Hundreds of residents, clad in yellow t-shirts, lined the streets while others jostled for a closer view of the President at the rally podium.

NRM District Chairperson Mr. Charles Anzo Akuku presented a memorandum highlighting key concerns affecting Adjumani, including the Apaa land conflict and the delayed construction of the Laropi Bridge, which connects Adjumani to Moyo.

“We appreciate the government for restoring peace in the country and in Apaa, especially through the deployment of the UPDF. But the land question still persists,” said Mr. Akuku.

On the bridge project, Mr. Akuku stressed its urgency. In response, President Museveni assured residents that the Laropi Bridge and connecting roads would be built, though he did not commit to specific timelines.

“We shall construct the Laropi Bridge because we are now tarmacking the road from Atiak–Adjumani to Laropi up to Koboko District,” the President said.

Currently, a government-operated ferry facilitates crossings between Moyo and Adjumani, but its limited service—ending around 7 p.m.—forces locals to use boats and canoes, exposing them to risks such as hippopotamus attacks. Once completed, the bridge is expected to boost trade and ease transport between West Nile and Kajo-Keji in South Sudan.

President Museveni also emphasized the importance of maintaining security roads while expanding tarmac projects.

“The security road from Pakelle to Paboo and the road from Adjumani to Obongi must be worked on. Tarmac must always be in good condition because roads affect everyone—the public servant and the peasants alike,” he said.

The Apaa land dispute, which dates back to 2006, continues to affect more than 30,000 residents, fueling tension and occasional violence between the Acholi and Madi communities over a 1,000 km² fertile area east of the Albert Nile.

Some residents expressed disappointment that the President did not directly address the dispute during the rally.

“I expected the President to pronounce himself on the border issues between Amuru and Adjumani because the conflict has led to many deaths. This must be resolved before we decide who to vote for,” said Ms. Lillian Dulu of Milia Village.

District Chairperson Mr. Ben Anyama also raised concerns about the unresolved compensation for war claimants.

“The President compensated Lango and Acholi first. We have waited in vain. This feels like a betrayal,” he said.

President Museveni concluded his address by urging continued peace, development, and wealth creation among Ugandans