The Ministry of Local Government has launched the Jupala Centre Valley Dam in Jupala Centre Village, Lee Parish, Kucwiny Sub-county, Nebbi District, as part of Government’s efforts to strengthen community resilience to climate change through the Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility (LoCAL).
The 10,000m³ valley dam, implemented in FY 2025/2026 at a cost of UGX 371 million, comprises a valley tank, solid drift, gabions, seven check dams and three animal watering troughs.
For farmers and livestock keepers in the area, the investment brings a much-needed source of water closer to their homes and animals. The facility will support communities keeping an estimated 12,688 cattle, 10,345 goats and 1,839 sheep, while strengthening livelihoods and resilience to climate-related challenges.
Beyond livestock and farming, improved access to water is expected to ease pressure on households, particularly women and children who often bear the responsibility of collecting water. This can contribute to reduced domestic tensions, lower school absenteeism, dropouts and late coming, while promoting better sanitation and hygiene.
Anyonga Ruth, Secretary Production, Works and Natural Resources, Nebbi District, noted that bringing water closer to communities can make a significant difference in the daily lives of families. “When water is brought closer to the community, it changes more than just access to water. It reduces the burden on families, helps children get to school on time and stay in school, and gives households more opportunity to maintain proper sanitation and hygiene.”
Nebbi District CAO Muluuta Mugagga welcomed the investment, noting that the facility serves a population beyond Nebbi and called on development partners to consider extending similar support to neighbouring districts.
Representing the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, JJ Geoffrey Ettedu, Assistant Commissioner District Administration, reaffirmed Government’s commitment to scaling up climate-resilient investments through LoCAL. “When financing reaches the local level, it transforms lives and builds resilience from the ground up,” Ettedu said.
The Deputy Attaché for Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Belgium in Kampala, Evert Saver, highlighted the importance of continued cooperation in addressing climate challenges and supporting locally driven solutions.
The LoCAL donor and development partners’ field visit to Nebbi District was part of broader engagements between Government and development partners to review the impact of LoCAL investments and discuss the scale-up of the LoCAL framework in Uganda. The visit also featured presentations from participating Local Governments on how the facility is supporting climate resilience and improved livelihoods at community level.
From climate finance to a dam serving farmers, livestock and communities, LoCAL is turning resilience into practical action on the ground bringing water closer to the people who need it most.
