ELCA - Empower Local Councillors in Africa

About the Program

Local political leaders are closest to people’s everyday lives in East Africa, yet many lack support, training, and knowledge about their areas of responsibility. This is especially true for women and young people in local councils, who often face both discrimination and practical barriers to fully participating in decision-making.

The program Empowering Local Councillors in Africa (ELCA) was launched in Uganda in 2022, focusing on strengthening women and young local politicians. The initiative is led by KIC and builds on experiences from the PYPA and EWIP programs.

The program addresses the biggest challenges faced by new local politicians: lack of knowledge and skills, weak support within their parties, and power struggles in local councils. Through training in leadership, communication, policy processes, budget literacy, and gender equality, participants gain the tools to act both as rights-holders and duty-bearers.

ELCA is based on a three-step model. The first is foundational training in local governance, regulations, and meeting procedures. The second is deeper learning in policy areas such as health, education, environment, teenage pregnancies, and violence against women, as well as dialogue with officials and administrators to manage power conflicts. The third is networking and experience-sharing among former participants from EWIP, PYPA, and ELCA to build long-term cooperation across party lines.

The results are clear: women speak with greater confidence, young people demand accountability, and inclusive leadership is beginning to take root. When marginalized groups unite, they become a force that can no longer be ignored—and when local politicians understand and take their responsibility seriously, real change in society begins.