Analyzing the roles and challenges of epicenter managers as rural transformation specialists: The case of greater Kibaale, Uganda

Abstract

Rural development approaches have been hinged on infusion of resources and expecting change to occur.
This has not worked in most cases as expected. Recent innovations are using the visionary approach where
local communities in rural areas are in charge of their own development. This paper introduces a new
method called the Epicenter Strategy in integrated rural development using the visionary approach. The
Epicenter Strategy is being implemented at sub-county level by Epicenter Managers. The study examined
their roles and challenges while implementing this Strategy. This took place in greater Kibaale in midWestern Uganda. Despite challenges common to new innovations, there is a change from problem solving
orientation to visionary approach among these communities. It further showed that 62% of the strategy
implementers were youth and this agreed with Uganda’s national data consequently increasing the potential
for sustainability. The number of villages implementing this strategy was between 48 and 80, hence
reliability of results in drawing relevant recommendations. 78% of the strategy implementers indicated lack
of logistical support as their major challenge. All respondents reported that the Epicenter Managers have the
relevant skills, knowledge and capacity to facilitate rural