“As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, local communities are often at the forefront of adaptation efforts.The GALLA (Generating Ambition for Locally Led Adaptation) project aims to empower these communities by fostering locally driven solutions. To kickstart this ambitious initiative, our team recently convened for a crucial inception meeting, laying the groundwork for a collaborative and impactful journey.
The GALLA project has brought a renewed sense of purpose and ambition to many, particularly in the realm of locally led adaptation to climate change. What was once considered a mythical concept in traditional local settings globally has now become a reality, with learned individuals drafting a 5-year roadmap as part of the project proposal in Uganda. ACTogether, NSDFU, and Lubaga Division came together to launch this initiative with an inception meeting held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in the Division chambers.
The GALLA project funded by all SDI affiliates aims to empower local communities in two major cities, Mbarara and Kampala, with a specific focus on Lubaga Division and Mbarara South. Four parishes, two from each city, will be the primary beneficiaries of this project. Through collective participation at all levels, the project seeks to strengthen the capacity of local communities and city authorities to implement locally led adaptation initiatives, promoting sustainable climate action in the project areas.
The project’s main objectives include:
- Building strong partnerships and shared responsibilities among stakeholders.
- Implementing locally led adaptation initiatives.
- Strengthening the capacity of local communities and city authorities.
To achieve these objectives, the project will adopt a collaborative approach, involving stakeholders at all levels in implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
Building on Existing Efforts.
While the project is new, it’s worth noting that significant work has been done in the selected areas of study in previous years. However, recurring challenges have left gaps that this project aims to address within its four-year timeline. Rather than starting from scratch, the GALLA project will build upon existing efforts, focusing on environmental and climate change adaptation to create sustainable and resilient communities.
The inception meeting addressed various components, including:
- Project purpose and objectives
- Roles and responsibilities
- Timeline and milestones
- Technical support and gap analysis
The meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to contribute to the project’s development, ensuring a collaborative and effective implementation process. The outcomes of the meeting will inform the project’s next steps, including the development of a detailed work plan and budget.
The GALLA project team will now work on finalizing the project document, incorporating feedback from the inception meeting. The team will also establish a project management structure, including a steering committee and technical working groups, to oversee the implementation of the project.
The GALLA project has the potential to make a significant impact on locally led adaptation to climate change in Uganda. With its focus on collective participation, capacity strengthening, and sustainable climate action, the project is well-positioned to achieve its objectives. We look forward to seeing the positive changes that this project will bring to the communities of Lubaga Division and Mbarara South.
Written by Lutakome Benon, Know Your City TV, Lubaga region, Kampala
