Uganda is accelerating locally led climate adaptation through the UNCDF LoCAL Facility growing from just four pilot districts in 2023 to 24 districts by FY 2026/27.
This progress was underscored at the 4th Annual National LoCAL Workshops held in Moroto (21–23 April 2026) and Gulu (28–30 April 2026), convened under the co-leadership of the Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Water and Environment, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, National Planning Authority, and the Office of the Prime Minister, in partnership with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).
The LoCAL mechanism integrates performance-based climate resilience grants within the Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfer System, complemented by technical assistance and capacity building to strengthen community resilience. It is further supported by partners including the Embassy of Denmark, Embassy of Ireland, Kingdom of Belgium, European Union, and the NDC Partnership.
Participants welcomed the intervention as both timely and transformative. Speaking on their behalf, Deputy CAO Nwoya District, Mr. Yusuf Akubonabona, commended the Ministry of Local Government, noting that the support comes at a critical time for districts long affected by climate risks, and expressed hope for further expansion to reach more vulnerable areas. Justine Adrian the UNCDF Representative emphasized the need for sustained momentum: “The Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Local Government, and UNCDF must continue to scale up and mobilize more resources to extend this support to additional districts.”
Over the past four years, 14 participating districts have delivered UGX 14 billion in locally led adaptation investments. Ten new districts now join the Facility, marking a significant step forward.
With this scale-up, the Government of Uganda plans to transfer UGX 17 billion in FY 2026/27 through Performance Based Climate Resilient Grants to the 24 districts supporting continued investments under the National Development Plan IV, aligned with Vision 2040 and complementing initiatives such as the Parish Development Model.
Closing the workshop on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Assistant Commissioner for District Administration, Mr. J.J. Ettedu, reminded participants that impact lies in action: “The true value of this training is in implementation. Let’s take these lessons back to our districts, move beyond resolutions, and work as a team with integrity to build a more climate-resilient Uganda.”
The regional engagements brought together district leaders, central government institutions, and technical partners to assess progress, strengthen capacity, and align priorities for scaling climate resilience at the local level