The Ministry of Local Government today convened the inaugural Steering Committee meeting for the Local Climate Adaptive Living (LoCAL) Programme to provide strategic oversight and guide the implementation of the national climate adaptation financing mechanism.
The LoCAL Programme, implemented by the Ministry of Local Government with support from the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), is a national mechanism that finances local climate adaptation while strengthening the capacity of Local Governments to integrate climate change into planning, budgeting and development. The programme also supports Uganda’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals, the National Climate Change Act, 2021, and the National Adaptation Plan.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chairperson of the Steering Committee, was represented by Silver Tindizirarira, Assistant Commissioner, District Inspection, who officially opened the meeting on his behalf.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ben Kumumanya, emphasized the Committee’s critical role in steering the programme. “As a Committee, our primary responsibility is to provide the governance framework and strategic direction necessary to ensure the LoCAL implementation process is well guided and aligned with Government frameworks. By utilizing Performance-Based Climate Resilience Grants (PBCRGs), we ensure that our districts have the budgetary capability to plan, fund and implement localized adaptation solutions.”
He further noted that, “The complexity of the climate crisis requires a whole-of-society approach. I am deeply encouraged to see representation from key Government Ministries and our development partners.”
The Steering Committee serves as the highest policy oversight body for the programme, providing strategic direction, strengthening collaboration among stakeholders and supporting resource mobilization to scale up the LoCAL mechanism across the country.
Representing UNCDF, Country Representative Ms. Justine Audrain commended the remarkable progress made in implementing the LoCAL Programme within a short period. She reaffirmed UNCDF’s commitment, as a Development Partner, to continue supporting the Government of Uganda and collaborating closely with all stakeholders to strengthen coordination and sustain the programme’s achievements.
During the meeting, members reviewed the Steering Committee’s Terms of Reference, received an update on the implementation status of the LoCAL Programme, and considered integrated work plans to support implementation across the country. The meeting is expected to enhance members’ understanding of the LoCAL mechanism and approve coordinated work plans to accelerate climate-resilient local development.
Underscoring the need for sustained support to expand the programme, Silver Tindizirarira, Assistant Commissioner, District Administration, said: “Our long-term goal is to scale up LoCAL into a nationwide mechanism. To achieve this successfully, we must strengthen resource mobilization mechanisms to support its expansion.”
Held at the Ministry Board Room, Workers House in Kampala, the meeting brought together representatives from key Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, the Uganda Local Governments Association (ULGA), the Local Government Finance Commission, the National Planning Authority, the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), and other development partners.
