The current humanitarian system has saved countless lives over the past 50 years however, it is now overstretched and underfunded; unable to meet rising needs of crisis affected countries and providing assistance that is often insufficient, inappropriate and late. There is growing support for a shift of power and resources to local and national humanitarian actors. Local and national actors are the first responders when crisis hits and know the local context better than internationals, and yet receive a tiny fraction of international aid.
As part of a global project, OXFAM in Uganda is implementing a three year project of Empowering Local & National Humanitarian Actors (ELNHA). The project runs on the principle of putting Local and National Humanitarian Actors in the driver’s seat to define their agenda and strategies, and influence international humanitarian actors for their support.
How ELNHA Uganda works
- We support local/national humanitarian actors to design, deliver and lead in humanitarian preparedness and response in Uganda (STRENGTH)
- We support local/national humanitarian actors’ power to influence the humanitarian agenda in their country (VOICE)
- We push large international humanitarian donors and international NGOs, including Oxfam, to tailor their policies, strategies and systems in support of local/national humanitarian actor’s leadership (SPACE)
Who ELNHA Uganda works with
The project participants will include:
- 60 Local and national humanitarian actors (LNHAs) including Government institutions, CSO’s, media and private sector.
- At least 3 strategic partners (one in each sub-region) to spearhead the implementation, as well as coordinating national level humanitarian leadership influencing work
- The vulnerable men, women and children who will benefit from a more appropriate, effective, and stronger humanitarian response
- International NGOs and donors to tailor their strategies and systems in support of local and national humanitarian leadership
Funding mechanisms
Recognizing the importance of greater and flexible financing, the project has two important funding mechanisms:
- Capacity building Grant facility
The Capacity Development Fund will support the collective and tailored Humanitarian Agenda and Action Plan developed by Local and National Humanitarian Actors - Humanitarian Response Grant facility
This competitive grant will be given to LNHAs that demonstrate their strength in design and implementation of quality response programs, with good financial accounting systems
Where ELNHA Uganda works
The project works in six districts of northern Uganda, in order to make transformational change in humanitarian action at national and international levels:
- Karamoja region: Kaboong and Kotido districts
- West Nile region: Arua and Koboko districts
- Acholi region: Agago and Lamwo districts
