Situated in Uganda’s West Nile sub-region along the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nebbi and Zombo were once ignored and isolated due to rebel activity in the border areas.

Today, however, these districts are at the forefront of transformative development, with billions of shillings being invested in roads, electricity, and agriculture.

Both are now emerging as hubs of economic growth and opportunity, demonstrating how targeted government programs are reshaping the lives of local communities.

Under the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Nebbi and Zombo districts have achieved significant progress across multiple sectors, including health, education, infrastructure, water and sanitation, security, and livelihoods.

These developments reflect the government’s commitment to regional growth and its determination to improve the quality of life for local communities.

The Parish Development Model (PDM), launched in 2022, has been at the forefront of this transformation, aiming to shift 39% of Ugandan households from subsistence farming to a money-based economy.

In Nebbi District, the program has been rolled out across all 77 parishes, with thousands of households registered as beneficiaries. For the 2022/2023 financial year, Nebbi received UGX 3.8 billion, directly channeled to parish-level Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs), with each parish entitled to UGX 100 million annually.

By mid-2023, most parishes had formed SACCO management committees and received their first installment of funds, demonstrating a smooth and effective local government rollout.

The PDM initiative has facilitated the creation of numerous small-scale enterprises for many locals in Nebbi, and these include; collective farming and retail shops to animal husbandry and motorcycle acquisitions.

Similarly, in Zombo District, which comprises 86 parishes, the first installment of PDM funds had been successfully disbursed to the majority of parishes by late 2023.

Each parish was entitled to UGX 100 million annually, representing a total planned injection of UGX 8.6 Billion into the local economy of Zombo over a full cycle.

Local leaders hail this disbursement as a groundbreaking achievement, with the District Commercial Officer noting that the formation of SACCOs and the mobilization of beneficiaries have brought financial services closer to the people than ever before.

Given Zombo’s fertile lands, most locals have used the PDM funds in investments like agriculture, including coffee cooperatives, dairy farming, poultry, piggery, and maize and bean cultivation, projects that align with the district’s natural strengths.

Infrastructure development has further boosted the region’s economic potential.

The commissioning of the Nyagak III Hydropower Plant in Zombo has not only provided reliable electricity but also enabled the establishment of health centers equipped with essential medical services and lighting.

According to the 2023 Ministry of Health registry, Nebbi district hosts two Health Centre IVs; Goli Health Centre IV along Pakwach Road in Nebbi Municipality and Erussi Health Centre IV alongside more than 18 Health Centre IIIs, while Zombo has over 13 Health Centre IIIs spread across its sub counties.

Education has also been a key priority.

The Local Government Education Ordinance 2024 in Zombo was formulated to address educational challenges and strengthen school governance. Free education in government-aided primary schools has expanded education access, with Zombo boasting 92 schools and Nebbi 84, including institutions such as Kasala P.S, Pakadha P.S, Asina P.S, Odarlembe P.S, and Padea Olyeko P.S. among others.

Efforts to improve trade and connectivity are evident in major road projects linking Nebbi and Zombo to other regions.

The Karuma-Olwiyo-Nebbi-Arua-Koboko road and the Nebbi-Goli–Paidha–Padea–Zombo–Warr–Vurra route are designated for improvement, enhancing transport, commerce, and economic activity.

Clean water access has been strengthened through multi-billion shilling projects in Zombo, benefiting over 20,000 residents in areas such as Zombo Town Council, Athuma, and Nyapea Sub-counties. In Nebbi, the completion of the Got Tar multipurpose water dam in Ossi East Parish has provided reliable water for local communities.

Economic empowerment initiatives, have been introduced to enhance livelihoods.

Programmes such as the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), have reached thousands of young people, with Nebbi receiving UGX 994 million to support 2,020 youth through 148 projects, including the Power of Voices initiative.

Security has remained a central focus, with the establishment of police health centers like the Nebbi Police Health Centre II, reflecting the government’s commitment to the well-being of security personnel and their families.

The transformative impact of the Parish Development Model and other government programs is evident across Nebbi and Zombo, reflecting a commitment to sustainable development, enhanced living standards, and economic empowerment for all residents.