Local Leadership Labs Project

 

We are thrilled to announce the Local Leadership Lab project, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower communities to resist, survive, and overcome socio-economic inequities. Rooted in the belief that sustainable development must be locally designed and led, the Local Leadership Labs prioritize community-driven solutions that address unique, context-specific challenges.

At the heart of this initiative are CIVICUS and NEAR, two global civil society networks dedicated to strengthening the support ecosystem for local civil society actors. In Uganda, CAPAIDS Uganda spearheads this transformative effort, ensuring that the initiative resonates with the country’s diverse communities and needs.

A Focus on Locally-Owned & Led Solutions

The Local Leadership Labs are firmly committed to promoting locally owned and locally-led initiatives that are not only relevant but also context-specific. By working directly with local actors, we aim to craft solutions that are deeply embedded in the cultural, social, and economic realities of each community.

Theory of Change

The Theory of Change that drives the Local Leadership Labs emphasizes a locally-owned and led approach. We believe that real, lasting change can only occur when local communities take charge of identifying, designing, and implementing solutions that fit their specific contexts. Our approach integrates principles of constituency accountability, safe and inclusive dialogue spaces, and locally-led processes to create sustainable impact.

Project Objectives

The project will be implemented in three key stages, with learning and influencing activities integrated throughout the project duration:

  • Discovery Phase:This initial stage focuses on understanding the needs and priorities of communities through demand articulation, stakeholder identification, and co-creation with target groups. We engage in deep listening, working closely with actors within the ecosystem to ensure that we address the right challenges.
  • Ideation Phase:In this stage, local communities participate in co-design exercises aimed at creating innovative solutions. Trust-building spaces are curated to facilitate meaningful dialogue on policy issues and collective problem-solving.
  • Action Phase:The final stage is where implementation begins, iterating and refining solutions based on real-time feedback. Key insights and reflections will be shared to help inform future projects and create a knowledge base for other communities.

Mapping Local Actors & Geographic Reach

The initiative has mapped out a wide range of local actors, identifying:

  • 128Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
  • 87Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)
  • 4Private Sector Organizations

This diverse group represents the rich fabric of grassroots initiatives working to drive positive change. The project’s geographical reach spans the entire country, with focus areas in Acholi, East Central, Elgon, Karamoja, Lango, Teso, and West Nile regions.

Join the Movement

The Local Leadership Lab project is a unique opportunity to support community-led transformation, driven by those who understand their communities best. By partnering with local actors and focusing on sustainable, tailored solutions, we aim to create resilient communities capable of navigating complex socio-economic challenges.

Together, we can foster locally-owned change that makes a lasting impact.

Project Impact

4
Private Sector Organizations

87
Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)

128
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Map- Regions:

  1. West Nile
  2. Acholi and Lango
  3. Karamoja
  4. Eastern
  5. Western
  6. South Western

 

Click on each region on the map to get more details