INTRODUCTION

1.0 INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY:

This is an internship report, a report written by every student of Makerere Business Training
Centre at the end of the field work/ internship carried out by a student as a partial fulfillment of
the requirements for the award of any qualification offered by MBTC.
It is covering the period of three months that is from September to November 2014.
This chapter outlines the Back ground of the field attachment organization, objectives of field
attachment, Location of the institution, Vision, Mission, Overall Goal, Credo/Motto, and
Main Objectives of the Organization, Goals and Objectives of the Institution, Organization
Culture, Policies, Programs, Funding Agencies, Challenges and then Recommendations
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE FIELD ATTACHMENT ORGANIZATION:
The Name of the organization is Buyende District Local Government.
Initially, it was Budiope County comprising of five [5] Sub-counties, which is Kidera,
Nkondo, Buyende, Kagulu and Bugaya Sub-county.
All the above Sub-counties were under the management of Kamuli District
Administration, before it was curved off from Kamuli District.
However, as a result of the long distance from Budiope County to Kamuli District
Headquarters and the poor level of services delivery to the area by the District
Management, increased population growth in the area caused the people of Budiope to
seek autonomy and request the central government to grant Budiope County a district
status.
Around July 2009, Central Government having received written reports and a delegation
of elders, opinion leaders and the administrators, granted Budiope County a district status
and the district was named Buyende District.
Buyende District is a new district which was curved off from Kamuli District in the
Financial Year 2009/2010.
1.2 OBJECTIVE OF FIELD ATTACHMENT:
Field attachment has the following objectives;
a. To enable the student get hands-on experience real –life situations expected to work
in during service delivery to the community.
b. To promote a positive image of the institution [MBTC] and the Education sector
within and outside the County.
c. To relate the institution’s taught programs to the field work.
d. To provide an opportunity with the student to apply the principles and techniques
theoretically learnt into practical implementation of activities.
 e. To develop the student understanding of work ethics, employment demands,
responsibilities and opportunities.
f. To enhance and strengthen linkages between Makerere Business Training Centre
and various stakeholders.
g. It is also part of the institution’s requirements.
1.3.1 LOCATION OF THE ORGANIZATION:
Buyende District Local Government is located in eastern part of Uganda, Busoga
region. Its headquarters is found in Buyende Town Council in Budiope West, 17KM from
Nabirumba Trading Centre alongside Nabirumba_Kidera Road.
1.3.2 VISION OF THE ORGANIZATION:
A prosperous population with quality social services and infrastructure
1.3.3 MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION:
To promote social economic development of the district through delivery of
comprehensive social services to the community while upholding the local and national
priorities.
1.3.4 OVERALL GOAL:
The overall goal of the organization is to transform and empower the entire community
socially, economically and politically through skill development and protection of their rights in
Buyende District
1.3.5 CREDO/MOTTO:
Ensure proper planning for sustainable development.
1.3.6 MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE ORGANIZATION:
To extend services nearer to the people and implement community development
programs in order to improve on the quality of lives of people in Buyende District.
1.3.7 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE INSTITUTION:
 To empower communities to eradicate poverty and improve their social economic
welfare through mobilization, sensitization and management skills.
 To reduce on the illiteracy rate through functional Adult literacy classes.
 To render support to marginalized groups in the community.
 To incorporate Gender, Youth and Children concerns in development programs.
 To preserve cultural heritage in traditional site, institutions and environment.
 To ensure safety, health and welfare of workers at various work places.
1.3.8 ORGANIZATION CULTURE:
The culture of Buyende District Local Government is being described by the following core
values;
Reliability demonstrated by;
Good time keeping and preparation
Meeting agreed objectives in a timely manner.
Professional behaviors.
Understanding demonstrated by;
Close relationship with fellow technical staff to appreciate their needs and concerns.
Ability to support and encourage colleagues as a good team player.
Commitment at all times to understanding the expectation of the superior.
Responsiveness demonstrated by;
Tackling the needs of your role efficiently and professionally.
Responding to the district authorities.
Integrity demonstrated by;
Always telling the truth.
Being straight forward with one another.
Not gossiping and not spreading rumors at the work place and in the community.
1.4.1 POLICIES OF THE ORGANIZATION:
The district political leadership is comprised of the Chairperson LCV as the head of the district
council. The district has an Executive Committee which include; the Speaker who chairs the
district council, the Vice Chairperson and Secretaries for the Sector Committee. There are five
members on the Executive Committee.
The major duty of the political leaders is to formulate policies for the district and their major role
is to oversee the district programs
ROLES AND DUTIES OF THE CHAIRPERSON LCV:
Is the political head of the district.
Is an overseer of all the district programs.
Is the supreme head of the district council which forms and resolves policies.
He/she is appointing authority of the District Political Executive Committee.
 He/she is the approving authority of the district work plans and related documents of the
district.
Roles and Duties of the District Speaker:
To chair Council Meetings.
To guide the council while debating motions.
To prepare and organize councilors’ motions for the whole council to debate.
Roles and Duties of the Secretaries for Sector Committees:
To chair sector Committees.
To formulate policies for the council to debate.
To oversee implementation of the district programs.
1.4.2 PROGRAMMES OF THE ORGANIZATION:
National Agricultural Advisory Delivery Services [NAADS]. O.W.C.
Community Driven Development [CDD].
Functional Audit Literacy [FAL]
Volunteers Enterprise Development Community Organization [VEDCO].
Child Rights and Protection.
Universal Primary Education [UPE]
Universal Secondary Education [USE]
Disaster Risk Reduction [DRR]
Banana Bacteria Wilt [BBW] Control.
People with Disabilities Special Grant [PWDSG]
Water and Sanitation.
Orphans and Vulnerable Children [OVC]
National Union of Women with Disability [NUWODU].
1.4.3 SOURCES OF FUNDING:
There are two main sources of funding which includes; Grant from the government and local
revenue. These sources of funding are explained as follows;
Release of Development Grant [LDG] Program Fund.
Release of National Agricultural Advisory Delivery Services [NAADS] Programme Fund.
 Co-funding for LDG and NAADS.
Local Trading License Revenue from Proprietors operating various.
Local Market Revenue and Beer Permits from the Vendors.
Local development Tax from high level income citizens also Civil Servants attached to
various government institutions in the district.
Marriage and Birth Certificates.
Registration of Community Based Organization in the District
1.4.4 CHALLENGES FACED BY THE ORGANIZATION:
The Organization faces the following challenges;
Although some staffs were given vehicles and motorcycles, there is no proper facilitation
in terms of fuel and repair.
Inadequate office accommodation as proved to be a challenge. As mentioned, Gender and
Community Based Services is a wide department with different sections which requires a large
and well-facilitated office to ensure confidentiality to the clients.
Lower Local councils and village committee are de-motivated by lack funding to facilitate
their meetings.
The tendering process is always slow rendering overlap of project implementation over the
quarters. Furthermore, the overlap is also enhanced by untimely release of Local Development
Grant [LDG] funds by the Central Government to the district.
Poor sanitation and hygiene [low latrine coverage about 45%].
Delayed release of funds from the Centre resulting into project not being implemented on
schedule as per the work plans.
Local Revenue has been dwindling over the years, thus rendering co- funding for LDG and
NAADS, which accounts for the greatest part of funding for the district investments.
This implies that the Local Government will not meet co-funding in future, resulting in penalties
and failure to access LDG and NAADS.
Many projects are identified but fewer funds are allocated to the district to manage them.
The increasing population, which puts pressure on the available resources.
Poor farming methods.
Poor Family Planning Methods.
Pests and diseases of crops and animals.
Lack of modern agro-processing facilities.
 Poor food storage facilities.
Poor road network and maintenance of them.
Poor performance of the production sector especially due to unpredictable weather.
Soils fertility levels have declined.
Low level of pit latrine coverage at household and school levels.
HIV/AIDS Epidemics.
Insufficient drugs in the existing Health.
Inadequate Health Facilities.
Fewer seats in Primary Schools.
Big enrollment in Primary Schools
Poor Local Revenue Collection.
In view of the issues observed in this field work placement, there are some challenges/weakness
facing Buyende District Community Development Office that is shortage of staff, inadequate
staff housing, shortage of power, inadequate transport and many other challenges.
1.4.5 RECOMMENDATIONS:
2. The District Community Development Office should be provided with enough fuel to enable
them cover up the planned activities.
1. Gender and Community based services department should have enough space especially
while handling domestic cases for privacy and confidentiality to the clients.
2. Funds should be budgeted for lower Local Councils and village committee to facilitate their
meetings.
3. Sanitation and hygiene should be encouraged among the community to control some primary
diseases.
4. Funds should be timely released to enable timely and quality performance of the district
planned projects.
5. More sensitization should be carried out about the environment restoration.
6. Poor Family Planning campaign and methods should be emphasized in the community to
control rapid population
7. Poor performance of the production sector especially due to unpredictable weather.
8. More sensitization on HIV/AIDS epidemic spread should be carried out to save the
community.
9. Local Revenue Collection should be improved to enable it fill the gaps the Central
Government cannot support.
FIELD WORK ACTIVITIES
2.0 INTRODUCTION:
This chapter presents; title or position occupied, preparation for field work, data collection,
literature review, observation, outreach visits, interview method, limitations, delimitations and
authority levels to the student.
2.1 TITLE/POSITION OCCUPIED:
My title as student was ‘’an internee’’ but I attached to the District Community
Development Office and most of the duties and responsibilities carried out were for
community services.
2.2 ACTIVITIES PERFORMED
Initiating and Planning for development programs at the district level.
Organizing local communities to effectively participate in development activities.
Building the capacities of the local communities to own various programs.
Sensitize communities on Gender other crosscutting issues, social rights, roles and
obligations
Monitoring evaluating and reporting on community development programs and
projects.
Advising on the effective mobilization of the community for development
Mobilizing communities in water and sanitation activities that is forming and training
water user communities and home improvement on sanitation.
Combating child crime and addressing issues that lead to the vulnerability of children
especially the girl child for example defilement, rape, early marriages and high school
dropout rates.
Promoting social welfare through probation and social welfare policy.
2.3 PREPARATIONS FOR FIELD WORK:
While preparing for the field work, I was briefed by the field work supervisors on what to
do in the field.
I went to Buyende district headquarters and saw the deputy CAO from his office; I
introduced myself verbally and thereafter, presented an introductory letter from the
institution addressed to agency requesting to allow me to carry out my field work with
Buyende District Local Government.
I was given internal ship placement and posited to the community based services
department. I met the DCDO who told me to come back the following Monday to start up
my field work at the district.
The first day when I arrived at the district, the District Community Development Officer
inducted me about the activities carried out in the department.
I started by drawing a program of activities performed by the District Community
Development Officer at the district. The next day, I started with carrying out the
programmed activities in the district, guided by the District Community Development
Officer of Buyende District.
2.4 DATA COLLECTION:
The field work concentrated on Buyende District Community Development Department,
and data collection was done through use of different data collection tools like face to
face, interviews, questionnaires, observation and many others as may be seen.
It involved writing letters summoning various meetings, taking minutes writing reports
and proper records filling at the district.
2.4.1 LITERATURE REVIEW:
This chapter reviews the related literature of the study. It provides analyses that have
been put forward theoretically and practically by scholars in the existing literature
according to the objectives of the field work.
This section involves the methods used in collection of both primary and secondary data.
This is because none of them is sufficient enough on its own, so a combination of both of,
complement each other.
While using primary source, data was collected through usual and formal interviews,
organizational journals, Newsletters and individual judgments from the respondents.
Secondary data was obtained with the help of textbooks and publications from the health
Information Assistant’s Office.
Therefore, to have a wider perspective of Buyende development performance, a review of
information available in the records at the district and at the community household level
includes NAADS program activities, Universal Primary Education, water and sanitation,
domestic violence and population volume.
2.4.2 OBSERVATION:
This method involves observing and recording the necessary information in the field of
study, it involves the physical presence of an internee to get the first hand impression of
events with the help of five senses of a human being were the internee acted as a
separator or participant in all the activities, observation proceeds and relevant points were
noted. The internee used this tool to observe the nature of records management systems
used, the relationship between theory and practical experience and many other skills, like
use of filing cabinet, punching machine, sorting of records, classification, coding and
many other activities.
This method helped the researcher to collect first-hand information below;
Cases related to child negligence and domestic violence has reduced as people observed
their rights.
60% of the trained farmer group can now keep records and have written constitutions,
which they can now follow.
Very few staff of the Community Development Office have motorcycles to enable them
perform their work.
At least 49% of the communities have a sense of ownership of the development projects
and programs in their localities.
At least 40% of the women can now hold executive post on various councils.
2.4.3 OUTREACH VISITS:
I and CDO in charge CDD, Madam Nakamya Monica, made several outreach visits to
different places in Buyende district while monitoring and evaluating CDD groups.
We went to Buyende town council to monitor and evaluate Twekembe Development
Group which was given 2.5millions of CDD funds; we visited Nkondo, Kidera and
Buyende Sub County for the same program.
2.4.4 INTERVIEW METHOD:
This is also referred to as face to face interview. The Internee used oral interview
approach after realizing that if questionnaires are provided some respondents may not
give proper information needed for field work purpose and was carried out at household
level especially about the current programs implemented like; NAADS, Water and
Sanitation, Universal Primary Education, Gender issues and cross cuttings.
2.4.5 LIMITATIONS:
Some of the limitations faced by the internee are seen as below;
Inability of some respondents to answer questions due to illiteracy and conservative
habits over giving information common in the community is a problem.
High transport costs due to bad access roads where the respondents were not accessed.
Inadequate funds to facilitate the internee compile the report.
Limited time due to the pick garden cultivation season to access respondents.
2.4.6 DELIMITATIONS:
 Despite the above anticipated limitations to the internee, the following conditions will
favour the fieldwork activity proceeding;
The internee will use fieldwork assistants in the case of some respondents with
conservative habit, thus respondents that hide information needed for fieldwork.
The internee will solicit funds from friends and relatives to address the transport bills and
preparation of the fieldwork transport.
The internee is scheduled to be conducted during afternoon hours which ensure presence
of respondents at their respective homes.
2.4.7 AUTHORITY LEVELS TO THE STUDENTS:
I had limited authority levels such that I worked on the assignments given to me and I
was also accessed to all the necessary information freely and managed to acquire the
knowledge and skills that I realized very interesting and useful to me for the rest of my
life while handling activities in the community.
ORGANIZATION CHART AND FLOW OF AUTHORITY
DISTRICT STAKEHOLDERS
EVALUATION ON FIELD ATTACHMENT
3.0 INTRODUCTION:
This chapter presents the; Level of accomplishment of duties and responsibilities assigned,
new knowledge and skills gained in each of the duties and responsibilities, most interesting
experiences, relatedness of institution’s programs to the field of work, the institution’s preparing
the student for field attachment and preparedness of the institution/ agency to receive and
manage student for field attachment.
3.1 LEVEL OF ACCOMPLISHMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
ASSIGNED:
I was assigned duties and responsibilities on weekly basis with the set deadlines by the field
supervisor. The set deadlines were always monitored by field supervisor who was impressed by
me due to accomplishment of the assigned duties in the given time and benefited the importance
of commitment and time consciousness while at work. Also I proved the importance of drawing
a work plan that guides in day to day activity implementation and time management as a factor
in the implementation of community activities.
3.2 NEW KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS GAINED IN EACH OF THE DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITY:
I gained a practical knowledge on how to handle the duty authorized like mobilizing and
organizing community meetings, settling community disputes like domestic violence in families,
preparation, organizing and filing records at place of work.
I learnt different community approach style depending on the nature of activity carried out by the
organization compared to that taught at the institution. Also I gained and improved skills on the
interpersonal relationship with the supervisor or bosses and subordinates while carrying out
duties in the organizations or in the community.
I acquired knowledge and skills of organizing the activities assigned or planned for and also to
do things in a systematic manner that show professionalism.
I gained knowledge about solving problems and this improved on my ability to comprehend with
the scope of work assigned.
3.3 MOST INTERESTING EXPERIENCES:
The most interesting experiences was the system of service delivery to the community used in
the organization that was good and easing the work for the student which was not expected.
The interaction I had with Community Based Facilitators [CBFs] and host farmers in NAADS
program was very enjoyable since the communication was all about modern agriculture focused
at increased production and increased household incomes among the community.
3.4 RELATEDNESS OF INSTITUTION’S TAUGHT PROGRAMMES TO THE FIELD
ATTACHMENT:
Most of the institution taught programs are the as the fieldwork except that things change
depending on the nature and activities of the organization carried out such as formats of the
records and books maintained by the management staffs who implement the work plan that
discussed and approved by the policy makers of the organization.
3.5 CHALLENGES FACED AND HOW MANAGED:
The challenges were work related, organization factors and individual perspective.
Distortion of information in the functional reporting relationship some staffs fail to understand
whom to report to first in case of any problem or shortage in the operation department.
Insufficient funding to the organization, which at times limit mobilization of both human and
material resources for the organization.
Inconsistence of Electricity Power Supply [Solar Energy] which at times affects the smooth
supply of power through unwarned routine power disconnections with tendency of over loading
the Solar System with so many gargets. This has been curbed by buying a generator to support
and increase on the power supply at the district headquarters.
3.6 BENEFITS DERIVED FROM FIELD ATTACHMENT:
The internee achieved new knowledge and practical experiences, field attachment also greatly
improved the student’s confidence.
I gained skills of relating with other internees, workers, clients and other officials like Resident
District Commissioner, Chief Administrative Officer, District Chairperson and many other big
officials , this is because the organization is within the Buyende District Headquarters.
I gained skills of communication at the place of work. I managed to communicate to the
officials, clients as I was taught communication skills in class, this helped me to perform
accordingly as well as making my training a success.
I gained computer skills; as I practically typed and printed the fieldwork report on my own.
I gained the skill of self-confidence at work. I performed the assigned tasks as well as attending
to the clients and directing them to respective officials without fear as I was taught sociology.
I learnt how to cope with the challenges at work place and how to solve problems at work.
The field attachment improved the student’s skills through participation and acquiring the
professional knowledge that will be useful at work.
3.7 ADEQUACY IN THE INSTITUTIONS PREPARING THE STUDENTS FOR FIELD
WORK ATTACHMENT:
Makerere Business Training Centre should make a great effort in sending students to different
community developments and other organizations, so that they can attain more practical skills
and get more knowledge and experience. I recommend that equipping students with knowledge
and skills, Makerere Business Training Centre should continue sending out students for
internship adequately and students should always use this chance to go and get exposed to the
community/ work place
There was some briefing of students by the institution supervisor before going for internship.
The field work supervisor enlightened us on how to act and behave when in the field, and I used
the advice given to me as a guideline in the field.
Lastly we were allocated with field work supervisors and they really guided us in the field.
3.8 PREPAREDNESS OF THE INSTITUTION / AGENCY TO RECEIVE AND
MANAGE STUDENTS FOR FIELD ATTACHMENT:
There was some vacancy for internees at Buyende District Local Government Head Quarters
[District Community Development Office] and I handed in my introductory letter from Makerere
Business Training Centre, asking for internship placement, the Deputy Chief Administrative
Officer gave me an acceptance letter, allowing me to go ahead with my field work.
The organization also had very few Community Development Officers, but all in all, these
assisted me in guiding what I had gone to do.
On the side of the institution, it prepared the introductory letters and assessment forms in time so
that the students take them to their areas of field work attachment in time and report as soon as
possible.
On the side of Agency supervisors, I was welcomed, treated in a good way, given what I wanted
in time, they took time to train trainees in hands on, and lastly the agency assisted the internee in
the attainment of the required knowledge and skills.
I therefore, I recommend Buyende District Local Government to increase and continue to accept
more students that express their willingness to carry out internship training with their
organization.
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
4.0SUMMARY:
This chapter presents the conclusion, recommendations and reference in relation to the
attachment carried out at Buyende District Local Government in the department of Community
based services.
4.1 CONCLUSION:
From the findings, the administrators of Buyende District Local Government, most of them are
committed workers who even show good heart by guiding me how to do the work that I was
assigned and also providing necessary information that helped me to access new knowledge and
useful skills related to the field attachment through practicing real life experiences of work
However, the training has helped the student to identify new contacts and friends also to get
exposed to a lot of new things that are done and realized while at employment work places and
more so I appreciate the administration and management of Buyende District Local Government
altogether for the support provided to me during the time of the field attachment task carried out
in their organization. It was enjoyable and comfortable for me to keep remembering.
4.2 RECOMMENDATIONS:
In view of the issues observed in this field work placement, there are some
challenges/weaknesses facing Buyende District Community Development Office i.e. shortage of
staff, shortage of power, inadequate transport and many others.
These can be solved that:
The organization should lobby for Solar Panels, these may work well especially during sunny
weather which can assist in the running of the Computer, Printer, and other gargets, which keeps
the office running and performing well.
The organization should strengthen the partnership with organizations like Uganda Cares and
many other development partners/NGOs which assist in the funding of the organization in order
to solve the problem of inadequate funds.
The district should lobby for transport from the Ministry of Local Government through the
District Community Development Office and through the Chief Administrative Officer’s office,
as this will help to take community workers for outreaches.
The many community workers of different tribes in the district should curb the problem of
language barrier, as these may act as interpreters and these can be consulted in case of any mis-
interpretation.
I recommend that equipping students with knowledge and skills continue at Makerere Business
Training Centre [MBTC], and students should always utilize this chance to get exposed to
different working places and communities.
The organization should hire police men from Buyende Central Police Station to guard the
district headquarters every night.
The student advises Buyende District Local Government to solicit for more revenue to improve
areas where more support is required.
I recommend the good relationship and maximum co-operation from the Community Workers of
Buyende District Local Government, I appreciate you for the same, thank you so much and I
pray that, may the Almighty God bless you with which ever you may need.