The government has in collaboration with development partners, officially unveiled the second phase of the Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) Project, which officials envisage will end inequality, poor service delivery, and spur economic development.
The second phase of LEG, which was approved at the tail end of the project’s first phase, will cover 55 districts, and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) will inject Shs545 billion that will benefit 16 million Ugandans.
Officials from the IsDB led by their country manager, Dr Mouchili Mayoua, joined by their Ugandan counterpart, recently concluded a tour that covered eight districts in Western, Eastern, Northern, and Central Uganda, where they inspected key investments, engaged beneficiaries, and gathered insights to guide the next phase.
The nationwide supervision and closure mission was aimed at assessing the progress, impact, and sustainability of the LEGS Project.
Implemented in 17 districts under phase one, LEGS, officials said, has delivered transformative investments in agriculture, infrastructure, financial inclusion, and community enterprises. Government and its development partners have already confirmed that LEGS Phase II will expand interventions to 55 districts.
The team commenced their tour in Ntoroko District, where they inspected major investments, including the Kimara Valley Dam, a 68,000-cubic-metre reservoir serving more than 250 households and 5,000 head of cattle.
The 1.7-billion-shilling valley water tank was constructed in Kimara LCI, Butungama Sub-county with a 60-million-litre capacity tank that features a solar-powered automated pumping system that delivers water to overhead storage tanks and six animal troughs, along with an administration block and protective fencing.
It is designed with environmental safeguards and ensures clean water access while promoting climate-resilient livestock and crop production.
Its construction was in response to the unending crisis that had struck the area due to the negative impact of climate change, which resulted in prolonged drought. Officials said that the construction of this water facility saved the locals who were living in a dire situation, while competing for contaminated water with animals.
They also toured the Butungama Livestock Market and the Karugutu Subcounty Women’s SACCO, which received maize and rice milling machinery-the backbone of local value addition.
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Ntoroko District Mr Moses Agum, has revealed that the continuous construction of good access roads and clean water projects is key to improving the living standards of residents.
‘As district leadership, we are determined to sustain the achievements registered under the LEGS project, particularly the community access roads that have enhanced connectivity and stimulated local trade,’ he said.
The delegation also visited the Butungama Livestock Market and the Karugutu Sub-County Women’s SACCO, which received an agro-processing facility with maize and rice milling machinery to ensure value addition.
In Bunyangabu District, the delegation observed and later informed that a significant number of Ugandans had benefited from the two components of agricultural productivity and (community enterprise financing. Through the Microfinance Support Centre, Shs976m was disbursed to over 3,200 community members, boosting enterprise growth and household incomes.
Rwimi United Development Association showcased a rice processing plant that has elevated agro-processing and created jobs. Kageera Banana Farmers Association benefited from 40 market stalls and two open sheds.
Relatedly, Bunyangabu Bee Keepers Cooperative received Shs270m to strengthen honey production and value addition.
Dr David Siriri of the Millennium Promise Alliance urged farmers to continue utilising the 50/50 Input Voucher Scheme, which has supported 2,218 farmers in accessing improved inputs and increasing yields.
Local leaders, including RDC Mr Nicholas Kamukama, applauded LEGS for boosting incomes and urged communities to embrace a mindset change to tap into development opportunities fully.
Across Kabarole, Ntoroko, Bunyangabu, and Kyejonjo districts, MSC disbursed over Shs8b, supporting enterprise development.
Kyejonjo, officials learnt, excelled in artificial insemination with over 500 inseminations and a 75 percent success rate, while fertiliser use rose from 600 to 1,000 bags per season due to the voucher system.
In Central Uganda, the mission reviewed interventions in Nakasenke and Gomba Districts.
In Nakasenke, leaders commended LEGS for contributing to a drop in poverty levels from 20 percent in 2017 to 13.5 percent. The delegation inspected access roads, solar schemes, market sheds, and the Kinono Piped Water Supply System, which is expected to serve over 25,000 people.
Local leaders recounted past hardships, including long unsafe walks for water and livestock losses due to drought-challenges that the new system is expected to significantly ease.
In Gomba, the team visited the Kifampa Milk Collection Centre, Maddu Market Sheds, and Lwakibira Dam. IsDB’s Br. Denis Okumu praised the quality of infrastructure and encouraged farmers to adopt improved cattle breeds for better production.
Cooperative member Zanika Scovia highlighted how the new milk collection center has improved storage, market access, and earnings.
Speaking during the tour, Dr Mayoua assured continuous support to the Government of Uganda through the upcoming LEGS Phase II, which is set to expand interventions to 55 districts across the country.
The new phase will build on the successes of LEGS I, deepening the impact of local economic growth and resilience among communities.