Progress in Lake Victoria Region

The current phase of the co-operation between Lake Victoria Region Local Authorities Cooperation (LVRLAC) and the UBC has now lasted for one year. Looking back at this year, a large number of activities and sub-projects have been initiated aiming at internal strengthening of LVRLAC as an organisation.

First and foremost, the main secretariat of LVRLAC in Entebbe has developed into a well functioning unit. This is an important step, because any organisation needs a central focal point, an engine that will push it forward. Many routines still have to be developed, but most of the secretariat infrastructure is now in place.

One of the sub-projects is focusing on creating an internal communications network between LVRLAC members. 10 selected LVRLAC members have now received a complete computer set. The next step is to ensure Internet connectivity and the actual communication among the members and with the Secretariat. One important side effect of this project is the capacity building of LVRLAC members which got opportunity to work more efficiently and to develop the skills of their staff.

A succesful story is creation of the LVRLAC Women's Network. Since October 2002, the network has grown steadily, with national chapters being created in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The Women's Network has scheduled a number of meetings in the next half year including a large scale seminar for women councillors and technocrats. The strengthening of the Women's Network has interesting implications for development. Both women councillors and technocrats are often working closely in relation to the local communities. Through the network based community work, the Women's Network may soon focus on tangible projects involving poor communities, reaching out and educating school children and addressing issues like HIV/AIDS.

Strengthening LVRLAC as an organisation is the foundation for development of the local authorities and the communities of the Lake Victoria Region. Focus can soon shift to initiating tangible projects and activities for development. Cooperation with UBC members may be an important step in utilising capacities and experiences from the Baltic Sea Region. The ties between LVRLAC and UBC are strengthening. A visible result of this is the visit of a LVRLAC delegation at the UBC General Conference in Klaipeda.