In spite of the challenges created by the pandemic the The Development Initiative for Northern Uganda (DINU) programme team was able to achieve positive results.

Road rehabilitation work kicked off, our investment team continued to work with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) providing business development support to enable them to develop bankable proposals and additional 11 projects submitted for funding.

DINU also continued to work with local governments to deliver relevant training and mentoring sessions to support their work. The programme produced several knowledge products including feasibility study exploring alternative financing options for sub-national governments which gave background to the Third Economic Mkutano 2020. This continues to position DINU UNCDF as a knowledge leader in advocating for fiscal decentralization.

In August 2020, the European Union Delegation to Uganda endorsed an amendment to the Delegation Agreement allowing the reprogramming of funds under the previously cancelled land component. The new activities include:

• A scaled down land component to facilitate registration of customary certificates of ownership in three districts of Agago, Apac and Maracha which will be implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Lands Housing and Urban Development.
• Scaling up of the Local Government Excellence Fund to cover an additional four districts of Agago, Kole, Napak and Zombo.
• Establishment of the Small Business Recovery Fund, a dedicated fund to provide working capital to shortlisted SMEs under the START Facility to support them overcome liquidity challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant restrictions. The funds are zero interest loans repayable within a year.

The past year has shown the need for adaptability and flexibility to respond to emerging situations. The programme demonstrated its agility by quickly responding to new challenges. Digital innovations have played a key role in supporting business continuity.

As DINU-UNCDF plans ahead we look to mainstreaming digital solutions into programme interventions starting with the automation of the START application process, financial management systems of SMEs and of own source revenue administration for targeted districts.

The report summarizes our activities and results from 2020 working with local governments and SMEs in Northern Uganda.

Focusing on Food Security Nutrition and Livelihoods, through the Support to Agricultural Revitalization and Transformation (START) programme, presenting the Honey Pride Arua case study, and Covid Response; Transport Infrastructure, explaining road rehabilitation and maintenance and Amudat District case study; finally, Good Governance, which presents evidence based research, case studies, and more.

Learn more and read full report HERE.