Eight Rural Transformation Specialists have been deployed by the Uganda Rural Development Training Programme (URDT) to begin the next chapter of their lives as Epicenter Managers. These specialists represent the attributes that define an African Rural University (ARU) graduate, making them well-prepared to drive transformation in rural communities.
The deployed Rural Transformation Specialists include Kobusinge Mawanda in Muhoro, Atuhaire Jane in Birembo Sub county, Nambuya Dainah in Nyamarunda Sub county, Nakate Claire in Kabamba Sub county, Osiime Rinnah in Nalweyo Sub county, Wakwayrwoth Loyce in Rugashari Sub county, and Ampire Mariam in Bwaswa Sub county. Night Theopista has been retained as the Administrator in the Office of Community Engagement at African Rural University.
Before their deployment, the specialists were attached to offices at URDT campus for office orientation and later participated in a one-day orientation training held on March 25, 2025, at the Centre for Reflection. The orientation aimed to equip the managers with knowledge of the Epicenter Strategy in realizing Uganda’s Vision 2040, understanding local government systems and policy guidelines, the URDT methodology, community engagement, professionalism, and a human rights-based approach to programming.
Orientation of the new Epicenter Managers was conducted during a one-day workshop
According to John Tusiime, a lecturer at African Rural University, the managers were trained for four years, covering classroom work, project work, practicum, research, and internships. This extensive training ensured mastery of the Principle of the Creative Process, Systems Thinking, and Sustainable Development using a visionary approach.
“I feel they are ready because they went through the entire program, gaining experience in rural development work and being thoroughly grounded in the URDT methodology, which enables them to facilitate any development process based on the visionary approach,” Tusiime stated.
Susan Otim, the Director of Epicenter Strategy at URDT, highlighted that the seven new Epicenter Managers will mobilize communities and raise awareness about Uganda’s Vision 2040. They will promote health, education, agriculture, gender equality, and equity, and coordinate community projects such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The URDT Epicenter Strategy demonstrates best practices in sustainable rural development, fostering new leadership within communities and local governments.
Some of the new epicenter managers during a one-day workshop in the center for reflection and development
The deployed Rural Transformation Specialists expressed their gratitude for the opportunity and promised to mobilize communities for sustainable change. “I am excited to be deployed to Nyamarunda Sub County. With the skills I acquired from URDT and ARU, I will mobilize the community in health, sanitation, hygiene, participation in government programs, and enable people to become change makers,” said Nambuya Dainah.
The Epicenter Strategy has transformed rural communities by increasing household incomes, improving education and health services, promoting sustainable development, and empowering individuals and families to lead their own development journeys.
By Charles Agaba
Documentation Officer URDT
