Decolonising Aid: Reimagining Local Leadership in Crisis Response, Lutalo Wycliff Henry, Volunteer, Uganda Red Cross Society – Mukono Branch

The humanitarian landscape in Africa is changing. A powerful movement is growing, demanding that local communities take the lead in crisis response. It’s a call to recognise a long-standing truth: local people aren’t just waiting for help—they are the first responders, the ones who know their communities best, and those most invested in rebuilding. From the flood-stricken Rwenzori region in Uganda to bustling city centres, we see remarkable examples of local leadership in action. It’s time for international organisations to move beyond rhetoric and truly hand over the reins.

Decolonising Aid: The Problem with Traditional Models

For too long, the humanitarian system has been dominated by external actors. While well-meaning, international organisations often arrive with pre-packaged solutions that may not fully align with the local context. Locally led action offers a different path—one that places communities at the heart of response efforts, acknowledging their strengths, resilience, and deep understanding of their own challenges.

Think about it: who knows a place better than the people who live there? Who is more likely to recognise the early warning signs of a drought or the best way to distribute aid in a crowded neighbourhood? Local communities are the experts in their own lives, and they will remain long after international aid workers have gone home.

A Case for Local Leadership: The Kasese Flood Response

The 2022–2023 floods in Kasese, Uganda, underscored the critical importance of local ownership in disaster preparedness. The Uganda Red Cross Society, in partnership with the Netherlands Red Cross and the European Union, collaborated with local authorities to revitalise the District Disaster Management Committee. This committee—comprising strong community representation—spearheaded the development of a comprehensive flood preparedness and response plan, designed by the community, for the community.

The impact of this locally driven approach became evident during the March-April-May (MAM) rainy season of 2023. Forecasts of heavy rainfall prompted swift action. Because community members had actively contributed to the preparedness framework, they responded quickly to calls to clear drainage channels, significantly reducing the risk of flooding. They also evacuated high-risk areas before hazardous floods hit. This proactive response underscores how local ownership translates into effective action and greater community resilience (Uganda: Working Together to Help People Get Ahead of Emergencies | IFRC). More than just a program, this initiative is a testament to the power of people helping people, neighbours supporting neighbours, and communities taking charge of their own future.

Moving Beyond Rhetoric: Five Steps to Real Change

Despite widespread acknowledgment of local leadership’s importance, it doesn’t always translate into action. International organisations often struggle to relinquish control, leading to a form of “performative allyship”—where they say the right things but fail to implement real change. So, how do we move beyond talk and enact meaningful transformation?

1. Fund Local Organisations Directly
   Local actors need direct access to funding, not just trickle-down grants from large organisations. This requires streamlined application processes, reduced bureaucratic barriers, and flexible funding mechanisms that adapt to evolving needs. Crucially, sustained capacity-building through targeted training and support is essential for financial management and program implementation.
2. Share Decision-Making Power
   Decisions about aid and response strategies shouldn’t be made in distant offices. Local communities must be included in every stage of the process—from planning to implementation to evaluation. Their voices need to be heard, and their expertise valued.
3. Amplify Local Voices
   International organisations have powerful platforms. They must use them to showcase local actors, celebrate their successes, and let communities tell their own stories. Changing the narrative means recognising and uplifting the contributions of local responders.
4. Foster Mutual Accountability
   Accountability must be a two-way street. Local organisations should be accountable to their communities, and international organisations should be accountable for their commitments to localisation. Trust-building requires transparency, consistency, and genuine collaboration.
5. Shift the Mindset
   Perhaps the most challenging yet essential step is changing the way we think about humanitarian aid. Local communities aren’t passive beneficiaries—they are partners, leaders, and agents of change. Breaking away from entrenched power dynamics is crucial to fostering a truly collaborative approach.

Decolonising Aid: Conclusion

Meaningful change is a process, not a single event. It requires sustained dedication, a willingness to learn, and the humility to prioritize local voices. By genuinely transferring power to communities, we can build a more just, effective, and sustainable humanitarian system—one that is truly owned and driven by the people it is meant to serve.

Decolonising Aid: Reimagining Local Leadership in Crisis Response

Lutalo Wycliff Henry

Volunteer at Uganda Red Cross, Mukono Branch |  + postsBio

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