Government, partners evaluate livelihood project

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The Government, through the local government ministry, in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF), has undertaken a field appraisal mission to inform the second phase of the Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) project.

The mission, which covered Kyejonjo and Katakwi districts, aimed to evaluate the performance and impact of the first phase of the LEGS initiative. The findings will guide the design and scale-up of Phase II, which is expected to expand the project’s reach from 17 to 55 districts across the country.

To strengthen the design and implementation of the next phase, the Ministry of Local Government says it is working closely with international technical partners, including the Millennium Promise Alliance (MPA) and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). (Courtesy photo)

During the mission, the delegation interacted with district leaders, implementation teams and project beneficiaries to assess how LEGS interventions have improved local livelihoods and service delivery, particularly in water access, renewable energy and income-generating activities.

Transformative change

In Katakwi district, the team visited the Kanapa solar-powered mini-grid in Magoro sub-county and the Orungo Corner piped water scheme. In Kyejonjo, they toured Kaizikashya, a site that has benefited from new water infrastructure under the project.

For residents like William Sunday from Kiredu Village in Kyejonjo, the improvements have been life-changing.

“We now have a public tap stand in our trading centre,” Sunday said. “Previously, we fetched water from the Kaizikashya stream, which animals also used. Now, a 20-litre jerrycan costs only sh100. It’s very affordable and safer, especially for our children who used to walk long distances for water.”

He praised the Government’s efforts and expressed hope that neighbouring villages still without clean water would also be connected soon.

The delegation was headed by Maria Nakitende head of Finance Local Economic Growth Support Project (in brown floral dress). (Courtesy photo)

In Katakwi, the Orungo Corner piped water system has brought relief to critical facilities such as the Aakum Health Centre. Achom Stella, the health centre in charge, recalled the challenges faced before the intervention.

“Sometimes, mothers gave birth without any water to clean up,” she said. “Now, clean water is available right in our compound. It has made a big difference in how we care for patients. We are very grateful.”

Clean energy

In addition to clean water, LEGS has introduced solar mini-grids to remote communities located up to 40 kilometres from the national electricity grid. These systems are now powering local businesses, such as juice processing and small-scale manufacturing, contributing to economic empowerment.

The Kanapa Solar Power Association, a registered community-based group, oversees the management of the solar scheme with technical support from the district engineer. So far, the association has accumulated savings of over shillings two million from community contributions to fund future maintenance and sustainability efforts.

Innovation and sustainability

As the Government prepares for Phase II of the LEGS project, emphasis is being placed on climate change adaptation, sustainability, and integrated development. Discussions are underway to secure additional funding and partnerships to support this expansion.

The LEGS Project, initiated in collaboration with IsDB and LLF, aims to reduce poverty and improve the livelihoods of vulnerable populations by improving access to critical services such as water, energy, and income-generating opportunities. (Courtesy photo)

To strengthen the design and implementation of the next phase, the Ministry of Local Government says it is working closely with international technical partners, including the Millennium Promise Alliance (MPA) and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT).

These organisations will bring global best practices in evidence-based planning, climate-smart agriculture, and rural transformation to the project. Their involvement is expected to enhance the project's capacity to deliver long-term, sustainable benefits for vulnerable communities.

About LEGS project

The LEGS Project, initiated in collaboration with IsDB and LLF, aims to reduce poverty and improve the livelihoods of vulnerable populations by improving access to critical services such as water, energy, and income-generating opportunities. Phase I targeted 17 districts, with positive feedback on its achievements prompting plans for a wider rollout.

With the upcoming expansion to 55 districts, the project is poised to further strengthen local economies, promote equitable service delivery, and build resilience in the face of environmental and socio-economic challenges.