Uganda scales climate action to 24 districts with $23.4m Danish boost

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Uganda has expanded its flagship local climate financing programme to 24 districts, backed by a fresh $23.4 million (about sh87 billion) commitment from Denmark, in a major push to deepen resilience at the grassroots.

The scale-up of the Local Climate Adaptive Living (LoCAL) Facility marks a significant jump from just four pilot districts and signals a shift toward decentralising climate finance to reach frontline communities.

The announcement was made during the 4th Annual National LoCAL Workshops held in Moroto and Gulu between April 21 and 30, when government and partners underscored the need to channel resources directly to local governments to tackle climate shocks.

Managed in partnership with the United Nations Capital Development Fund, the LoCAL mechanism integrates performance-based climate resilience grants into Uganda’s Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfer System, enabling districts to access funding tied to results.

“LoCAL is Uganda’s gateway to locally led climate finance,” said Ben Kumumanya, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Local Government, noting that the model ensures resources reach the communities most in need while supporting sustainable investments.

The 24 beneficiary districts include Kasese, Nebbi, Nwoya, Nakapiripirit, Zombo and Gulu, among others. 

In the 2026/27 financial year, the government plans to disburse sh17 billion to support climate-resilient infrastructure and projects aligned with the National Development Plan IV and the Parish Development Model.

The expansion builds on gains recorded over the past four years, during which 14 districts implemented sh14 billion worth of locally led adaptation investments.

With 10 new districts joining, attention is now shifting to execution and accountability.

District leaders welcomed the programme, describing it as timely for areas increasingly affected by erratic weather. 

Yusuf Akubonabona, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Nwoya, said the facility offers a practical lifeline for communities facing climate-related disruptions, adding that local governments are committed to meeting performance benchmarks.

Justine Adrain, the UNCDF Representative, called for sustained mobilisation of resources to extend the programme’s reach. 

She said the Ministries of Finance, Local Government, and partners must continue scaling up to cover more vulnerable regions.

The workshops, co-led by the Ministries of Local Government, Water and Environment, and Finance, closed with a strong emphasis on implementation. J.J. Ettedu, Assistant Commissioner, urged technical teams to translate training into action according to a statement released by the Local government ministry on Saturday.

“The true value of this training is in implementation,” Ettedu said. “We must move beyond resolutions and work with integrity to build a climate-resilient Uganda.”

The LoCAL initiative continues to draw support from partners including the European Union and the embassies of Ireland and Belgium, reinforcing its position as a key pillar in Uganda’s long-term climate strategy under Vision 2040.