Local Coalition Accelerator - Uganda

📍Launch of the Two-Generational ECCD Model The launch was held on 31 July 2025 at Golden Tulip Kampala, organized by the Local Coalition Accelerator Uganda (LCA Uganda) with support from the Conrad @hiltonfound The event officially introduced LCA’s Two-Generational Model for Early Childhood Care & Development (ECCD), outlined its strategy and goals, and rallied diverse stakeholders to commit to enhancing early childhood outcomes and family well-being. Core Objectives Announced •Advance developmental outcomes for children aged 0–5 through quality ECCD. •Strengthen livelihoods of vulnerable families—including refugees—through cash assistance and business training. •Establish LCA as a professional body with a fully staffed, independent secretariat. Key Targets Highlighted •Capacity-building: 85 practitioners trained; 8 coordination forums held to influence ECCD policy. •Centre upgrades & child reach: 22 centres improved to meet quality standards; 520 children enrolled, with 70% projected to demonstrate literacy, cognitive, and socio-emotional improvements. •Livelihoods: 138 youth trained; 150 Self-Help Groups supported; 520 households receive cash grants, with 94% of SHGs able to provide low-interest loans. •Institution-building: 13 member organizations provided with capacity support; secretariat formed and 60% of organizational development plans completed. Expected Impact Shared The initiative aims to improve children’s school readiness, boost household economic resilience, and establish a sustainable, professional LCA Uganda capable of leading ECCD efforts in Greater Kampala and beyond. Participants The event brought together representatives from government agencies (@OPMUganda , @KCCAUG , @MoGLSD ), development partners, local authorities, LCA’s 13 member NGOs, civil society, community leaders, and media. The event closed with a call for partners to align funding, share evidence, and advocate for inclusive ECCD—ensuring every child and caregiver has the opportunity to thrive. @ipfug @Wezesha_impact @unwomenuganda @REALUGANDA1 @relonuganda

Today marks Day 3 of the SHG Phase II planning workshop for #LCAUganda! We are deeply honored to be joined by the Executive Directors of our respective LCA member organizations. We kicked off the day by reviewing the Coalition’s core funding priorities and the strategic rationale for supporting LCA Uganda's future: · Sustain the coalition beyond donor-funded projects · Reduce dependence on external donors · Strengthen and diversify fundraising systems · Build strategic partnerships and local ownership · Ensure long-term financial sustainability and responsiveness A key highlight from mourning session discussions centered on fundraising through strategic partnerships with corporate businesses via CSR. Mr. @jimodyek, ED of @ACODEVU shared valuable insights on this as an already proven strategy that LCA is eager to tap into and scale. Onward to building a more sustainable future together! #ResourceMobilization #StrategicPartnerships #CommunityDevelopment

The afternoon session was expertly led by Suzan Babirye, Fundraising Cluster Lead and Deputy ED for the Kabubbu Development Project @KabubbuP We took a deep dive into the core priorities for Phase II of the grant: · Resource Mobilization · Capacity Strengthening to effectively scale the SHG model Key Strategic Takeaways: Discussions highlighted that scaling our work requires building intentional systems, strong relationships, and institutional confidence across the Coalition. A vital highlight was the power of evidence-based documentation—capturing and sharing real change stories to strengthen our branding and uniquely package the SHG model for funders. We appreciate the technical support and guidance of @Warande254 and @thesharetrust during this crucial workshop. #LCAUganda #SHGProject #ResourceMobilization #CapacityStrengthening

A core takeaway from our discussions so far is the vital integration of #SRHR into our Coalition programming as we work to scale the SHG project. Our fundraising strategy and roadmap under development will position SRHR as a critical pillar of our work, while simultaneously strengthening the Coalition's institutional capacity to ensure long-term sustainability well beyond our current modus operandi. #LCAUganda #SHGProject #CommunityDevelopment

Day 2 of the LCA Uganda Planning Workshop for the SHG Project (Phase II) is officially underway! Today’s sessions dive deep into growth, strategy, and sustainability: · SHG Scaling Strategy & Value Proposition: Exploring the core value of the SHG model, expertly guided by @thesharetrust and @Warande254. · Interactive Roundtable: Member-driven discussions reflecting on real experiences and outcomes achieved so far. · Donor Mapping & Funding Opportunities: Identifying and aligning strategic funding paths with Coalition priorities. Exciting discussions ahead as we pave the way for greater community impact! #LCAUganda #SelfHelpGroups #CommunityDevelopment

In today’s workshop, we were joined by Opportunity Bank Uganda @Opportunity_UG, represented by Ndibulyawo Shamirah and Agnes Mukandekezi. They bring valuable expertise in banking solutions for Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), as well as in training our SHGs through the Micro Enterprise Programming approach using the Street Business model. These kinds of strategic partnerships will be essential as the Coalition advances Phase II — strengthening LCA Uganda’s capacity in three key areas: Strategic resource mobilization to scale SHG support, Strengthening Coalition coordination and systems for SHG work, Capacity sharing to integrate sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) into SHG support. #LCAUganda #StrategicPartnerships #Localisation

Happening today! Following the successful completion of Phase I (June 2024–2025), which deepened the Coalition’s engagement with Self Help Groups (SHGs) in Uganda by forming groups, strengthening member capacities, and piloting microgrants, we are now launching Phase II. Phase II focuses on building the Coalition’s long-term capacity to fund, coordinate, and sustain this work. Specifically, it will: 1. Drive strategic resource mobilization to scale SHG support 2. Strengthen Coalition coordination and systems for SHG programming 3. Build capacity to integrate sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) into SHG support. To kick-start Phase II, the Coalition, @Warande254 , and @thesharetrust are convening a structured 3 day workshop today. The session will review current SHG support, share lessons learned, identify good practices, and explore opportunities for SRHR integration. #LCAUganda #SelfHelpGroups #RecourceMobilization

As a coalition, we are engaged in an ongoing learning process. One of our key lessons has been learning how to work effectively as a coalition. The diversity of our organisational cultures and management systems brings together a rich blend of experiences. Despite our different backgrounds and varying capacities, we continue to operate with a truly coalescing approach — learning, adapting, and moving forward together. Thank you @poverty_action (IPA) for this learning experience. Thank you @Warande254 for walking this journey with us. Thank you @hiltonfound for the continuous Support! #LCAUganda

The best MEAL systems require continuous innovation. Two essential elements of such systems are the Theory of Change (ToC) and Learning Questions. The Theory of Change provides the foundation for understanding how a programme’s activities are expected to create impact among the target population. Learning Questions, on the other hand, are the key questions that actively guide the learning process within monitoring and evaluation. This morning, the ED of @CapaidsUganda, @NaomiAyot, led a session exploring the clear distinction between conventional and learner-focused MEAL approaches: Conventional MEAL systems tend to be: *Compliance- and reporting-focused *Top-down in orientation *Centred on outputs and hard data *Periodic and post-hoc *Rigid in their framework Learner-focused MEAL systems, by contrast, are: *Built around principles of growth and adaptation *Participatory and co-owned *Focused on outcomes and lived experiences *Continuous and real-time *Dynamic and adaptive in approach This is the spirit of learning and reflection we are experiencing today at the IPA-LCA Learning Partnership Closeout Workshop in Bukoto. #LCAUganda #CapacityStrengthening