1 Million Ugandans Benefit from the LEGS Project.

The Government of the Republic of Uganda, through its Ministry of Local Government, and the Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF) says that the Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) project has so far registered success in improving the lives of more than one million people across Uganda’s rural areas.

According to Raphael Magyezi, Minister of Local Government, the project which kick-started in 2019 is accelerating the achievements of Uganda’s Third National Development Plan (NDP III) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by contributing to alleviating poverty and reducing economic disparities within rural communities.

He says by the end of this five-year project,they will have positively impacted the living conditions of more than one million people across 17 of Uganda’s rural districts by improving livestock production by 25%, increasing access to drinking water by 75%, financing the acquisition of 729 pieces of farm equipment, and financial support for farmer groups across a variety of agricultural produce, among other initiatives

Already, more than 6,000  small-scale farmers have received 4.3 million seedlings for high-value cash crops (coffee, tea, vanilla) for the export market; 375 tons of organic and chemical fertilizers; 20 kilograms of fruits & vegetables seeds for income and nutritional security; and 1,821 tools and equipment.

“There is no doubt that the Government of Uganda is committed to making remarkable progress in our quest to stimulate local economic growth and development. Our top agenda involves taking the nation from low to middle-income status by collaborating with like-minded players in the private sector to stimulate transformative growth across Uganda’s rural communities. Sustainable development is strongest when we harness collective power.” Magyezi said.

Over the last five years, Uganda’s economic growth average has been 6.9% compared with an average of 4% for Sub-Saharan Africa. Peak performance of 8.6% in 2017 has, however, dropped to 5% due to economic infrastructure obstacles and the slowdown in the global economy, as well as the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The LEGS project is addressing critical issues among the livelihoods of rural communities in 17 districts: Aleptong, Katakwi, Kumi, Kibuku, Gomba, Nakaseke, Kyenjojo, Bunyagambo, Kabarole, Ntoroko, Buyende, Buikwe, Tororo, Adjumani, Nwoya, Rukungiri and Luwero.

Reports from the field furthers shows that, the project is also contributing to post-Covid recovery and resilience in response to disrupted supply chains and market linkages, which have affected production and livelihoods among Uganda’s rural communities.