Twenty-four districts across Uganda are now benefiting from the Local Climate Adaptive Living (LoCAL) Facility under the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), up from just four pilot districts in 2023, as government accelerates locally led climate adaptation with fresh backing of $23.4 million from Denmark.
The benefiting districts include Kasese, Nebbi, Nwoya, Nakapiripirit, Zombo, Kikuube, Koboko, Bulambuli, Kitgum, Nabilatuk, Agago, Kiboga, Kotido, Moroto, Bukedea, Bukwo, Butaleja, Pallisa, Napak, Amuru, Gulu, Kyankwanzi, Terego and Rwampara.
The progress was highlighted during the 4th Annual National LoCAL Workshops held in Moroto from April 21 to 23 and in Gulu from April 28 to 30, 2026.
The engagements were convened under the joint leadership of the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the National Planning Authority and the Office of the Prime Minister, in partnership with UNCDF.
Opening the workshop, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, described the initiative as a critical channel for delivering climate finance to the grassroots.
“LoCAL is Uganda’s gateway to locally led climate finance, ensuring that resources reach the last mile while supporting sustainable investments,” Kumumanya said.
The facility integrates performance-based climate resilience grants into the Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfer System, complemented by technical support and capacity building to strengthen local governments’ ability to respond to climate risks.
It is supported by development partners including the governments of Denmark and Ireland, the Kingdom of Belgium, the European Union and the NDC Partnership.
District leaders welcomed the expansion as both timely and transformative, noting that many communities are already grappling with the effects of climate change.
They pledged to ensure effective implementation, adherence to guidelines and strengthened accountability, while drawing lessons from districts that participated in earlier phases.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiary districts, Nwoya deputy chief administrative officer Yusuf Akubonabona said the support comes at a critical time for local governments facing increasing climate pressures.
He expressed optimism that the programme would be expanded further to cover more vulnerable districts.
UNCDF representative Justine Adrain called for sustained momentum in scaling up the initiative.
“The Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Local Government and UNCDF must continue mobilising resources to extend this support to additional districts,” she said, noting that Denmark has already committed $23.4 million towards local climate adaptation.
Over the past four years, 14 participating districts have implemented projects worth Shs14 billion under the facility, reflecting growing impact in locally led adaptation.
Ten additional districts have now joined, marking a significant expansion of the programme.
Under the scale-up, government plans to transfer Shs17 billion in the 2026/27 financial year through performance-based climate resilience grants to the 24 districts.
The funding will support investments aligned with the National Development Plan IV and Vision 2040, while complementing other government programmes such as the Parish Development Model.
Closing the workshop on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Assistant Commissioner for District Administration J.J. Ettedu emphasised the importance of translating training into action.
“The true value of this training lies in implementation. Let us take these lessons back to our districts, move beyond resolutions and work with integrity to build a more climate-resilient Uganda,” Ettedu said.
The regional engagements brought together district leaders, central government officials and technical partners to review progress, strengthen capacity and align priorities for scaling up climate resilience at the local level.
