*By John Kusolo*
*Rwenzori Subregion, Kabarole District, Uganda*
The Ministry of Local Government’s Permanent Secretary, Ben Kumumanya, officially opened the 4th National Project Steering Committee (NPSC) meeting for the Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) Project in Kabarole District, located in Uganda's Rwenzori Subregion. The meeting brought together leaders from various districts involved in the project, aiming to review the project’s progress and align it with long-term strategic goals for local economic growth.
In his keynote address, Kumumanya urged district leaders to integrate projects implemented under the LEGS initiative into their respective district development plans. This integration, he noted, is critical to sustaining the infrastructure and benefits created through the LEGS project beyond its official closure.
"By embedding LEGS initiatives in your district’s ongoing development framework, we ensure the longevity of these structures and the enduring benefit to communities," Kumumanya emphasized. "Such a step is essential for safeguarding the project’s impact on local livelihoods."
The LEGS Project: Enhancing Local Economic Growth
The LEGS Project, funded through a partnership between the Government of Uganda, the Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), is a transformative initiative focused on improving livelihoods and driving economic development in 17 districts across Uganda. The project is organized into two main components:
*Component A: Water for Enhanced Agricultural Productivity and Environmental Conservation*
Targeted at improving water access to boost agricultural productivity and encourage environmental conservation, this component is being implemented in ten core districts: Alebtong, Bunyangabu, Kabarole, Kumi, Kibuku, Katakwi, Kyenjojo, Ntoroko, Gomba, and Nakaseke.
*Component B: Support to Value Chain Development*
Aimed at strengthening agricultural value chains and fostering financial inclusion, Component B builds upon the core districts of Component A and extends to an additional seven districts: Adjumani, Buyende, Tororo, Buikwe, Nwoya, Luwero, and Rukungiri. These districts were selected due to their relatively low levels of micro-finance coverage, which has limited their residents’ ability to engage fully in profitable agricultural ventures.
The project aligns closely with Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM), a strategic framework designed to enhance household incomes and elevate the living standards of rural communities. Kumumanya stressed that the LEGS project components directly support the PDM’s objectives, particularly through improved access to water for agriculture and enhanced income opportunities via value chain support.
Kumumanya also called on local leaders and stakeholders to remain vigilant in monitoring the implementation of the Parish Development Model, ensuring that beneficiaries are genuinely impacted by the initiatives. He emphasized that consistent oversight and thorough evaluation are crucial in achieving the desired outcomes of improved household incomes and quality of life.
"Each district leader has a responsibility to the people we serve," he noted. "The true measure of our success lies in how effectively we monitor and evaluate these initiatives."
The LEGS Project has had a significant impact on various regions across Uganda, spanning the North, East, West, and Central areas. By enhancing access to water and supporting agricultural productivity, the project not only addresses immediate needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term economic development. The 17 districts involved have seen investments in infrastructure, skills development, and agricultural support, which together create an enabling environment for sustainable growth.
The LEGS Project has also sought to improve financial access in areas with traditionally low micro-finance coverage. By supporting value chain development and providing financial resources to communities, the project has empowered local farmers and small business owners to expand their operations, contributing to economic resilience.
As the LEGS Project progresses, its emphasis on integrating development efforts within the local governance structure represents a shift toward self-sustaining, community-driven growth. Kumumanya’s call to incorporate LEGS projects into district development plans reflects a broader commitment by the Ministry of Local Government to make rural development initiatives enduring and impactful.
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