Uganda’s Local Economic Growth Support Programme

Uganda’s Local Economic Growth Support Programme, worth USD 50 million, helps the country’s rural population.

The Ugandan government claims that the Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) project is on pace to enhance the lives of more than one million rural residents.

The US$50 million five-year project, which began in 2019, aims to improve living conditions in 17 districts by increasing livestock production by 25%, increasing access to drinking water by 75%, financing the purchase of 729 pieces of farm equipment, and providing financial support to farmer groups across a variety of agricultural produce, among other initiatives.

Over 6,000 small-holder farmers have benefited from the LEGS project, which has provided them with 4.3 million seedlings for high-value cash crops (coffee, tea, and vanilla) for export, 375 tons of organic and chemical fertilizers, 20 kilograms of fruits and vegetable seeds for income and nutritional security, and 1,821 tools and equipment.
Raphael Magezi, the minister of local government, stated that the government is dedicated to achieving significant progress in its efforts to boost local economic growth and development.

“Our primary priority is to move Uganda from a low-income to a middle-income country by engaging with like-minded private sector companies to generate transformative growth in Uganda’s rural communities.” “When we harness collective strength, we can achieve the most sustainable development,” he remarked.

This comes at a time when Uganda’s economic growth has averaged 6.9% over the last five years, compared to 4% for Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Islamic Development Bank Uganda (IsDBCountry )’s Manager, Dr. Umar Issahaq Iddrisu, stated that restoring human dignity is a cornerstone of the bank’s vision and part of its commitment to assisting member countries in achieving their development goals.

“The LEGS initiative has been critical in enhancing food security and revenue for smallholder farmers in rural communities,” he said.

“The project has provided the essential inputs, skills, access to finance, and enabling infrastructure for rural communities to develop, thus aligning with Uganda’s and the Bank’s ambitions.” When a relationship is established on mutual goals and respect, it is more likely to last.

The LEGS initiative is addressing major challenges affecting rural people’ livelihoods in 17 districts: Aleptong, Katakwi, Kumi, Kibuku, Gomba, Nakaseke, Kyenjojo, Bunyagambo, Kabarole, Ntoroko, Buyende, Buikwe, Tororo, Adjumani, Nwoya, Rukungiri, and Luwero.

The project also aims to aid post-Covid recovery and resilience in the face of interrupted supply networks and market links, which have harmed Uganda’s rural communities’ output and livelihoods.

The initiative prioritizes investments, strengthening rural infrastructure, and water production for agriculture and residential use, food security through improved crop and livestock production, and access to inclusive economic development through participatory microfinance.

Fund for Lives and Livelihoods

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), in collaboration with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief), the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), launched the US$ 2.5 billion Lives and Livelihoods Fund in 2016.

Donors to the Lives and Livelihoods Fund have now authorized projects totaling $1.34 billion throughout Africa and Asia. The LLF, which serves 33 IsDB member nations, is the largest development program of its sort in the Middle East.