ENHANCING RURAL TRANSFORMATION THROUGH THE VISIONARY APPROACH AND PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH IN KABAMBA SUB COUNTY, KAGADI DISTRICT

Abstract

This report presents the internship experience carried out in Kabamba Sub County, Kagadi District. It was conducted within four months period from 1st February to 20th March 2025, the internship offered practical, hands-on engagement in the villages of Kiryanjagi and Michinga. It was conducted in alignment with the four objectives of African Rural University, which include; ARU intern has the capacity to contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of systems and structures in service delivery of ten Lower Local Governments in Kabamba Sub County, ARU intern has potential Epicenter managers demonstrate an understanding of the Epicenter strategy in the realization of the Uganda Vision 2040, ARU intern has the capacity to conduct CAP as a democratic bottom up process to cause rural transformation and ARU intern has the capacity to conduct PAR and develop plans to create change in the community. The internship employed methods such as the Visionary Approach (VA), Participatory Action Research (PAR), Community Action Planning (CAP), document review, and home visits. The intern collaborated closely with technical staff, political leaders of Kabamba Sub County, a faculty mentor, TWS, and community members on projects targeting health and sanitation, agriculture, education and local governance. In conclusion, the internship offered valuable hands-on experience and strengthened partnerships with both community members and local authorities. It improved the intern’s ability to effectively support service delivery and promote rural development in Kabamba Sub County. By utilizing participatory techniques and strategic methods, the internship contributed to sustainable progress in sectors such as health, sanitation, agriculture, education, and governance, establishing the intern as a proficient advocate for community-led development.