As the global climate conversation continues at COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, Uganda is showcasing how locally led climate adaptation can translate into tangible community resilience through the Local Climate Adaptive Living (LoCAL) Facility, implemented by the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG).
Through LoCAL, Uganda is strengthening the role of Local Governments as frontline actors in climate adaptation by providing Performance Based Climate Resilience Grants (PBCRGs) to finance community prioritised investments. These include climate resilient water infrastructure, climate smart agriculture, flood control, ecosystem restoration and livelihood enhancement initiatives.
At the heart of this approach is a coordinated whole of government framework bringing together the Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Water and Environment, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and other key institutions, alongside development partners and communities.
Speaking at the side event hosted by the Ministry of Local Government at the Uganda Pavilion in Antalya, Turkey, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Mr Ben Kumumanya, highlighted how LoCAL is strengthening decentralisation by enabling Local Governments to plan, finance and implement climate adaptation interventions that respond to the needs of their communities.
He emphasised the importance of building on existing government systems rather than creating parallel structures, noting that empowering Local Governments with the necessary resources and capacity delivers stronger institutions, resilient communities and sustainable development.
The approach also complements the Parish Development Model (PDM) by protecting livelihoods, agricultural productivity and local infrastructure against climate related shocks.
Uganda recognises the invaluable support of its development partners, including the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), Denmark, Ireland, Belgium and the European Union, in advancing and scaling up the LoCAL mechanism.
Uganda’s message at COP31 is clear: Climate resilience must start with communities, be led by Local Governments, nationally owned and globally supported.
