Decentralization Poucy and Rural Development in Uganda Case Study of Kisek~ Sub County Lwengo District

ABSTRACT

The research study was on decentralization policy and rural development in Kisekka sub county Lwengo district. The objectives of the study were to establish

the role of decentralization policy on rural development, the challenges of decentralization policy on rural development and the possible solutions to the bchallenges in Uganda. The major objective of the study was to examine the role

of decentralization in the promotion of good governance Kisekka Sub County. Research question one sought to find out the role of decentralization policy on rural development, research question two sought to establish the challenge of decentralization policy in promoting rural development, while research question three sought establish the solutions to the challenges of decentralization policy in rural development in Kisekka Sub County. The research designing employed during the study was case study design and quantitative approach was used in

data analysis. Random and purposive sampling procedures were used, the methods of data collection were mainly questionnaire, observation and documentary review. It was established that the local government under decentralization policy has tried to provide health services to a less extent, the

health services provided by the government in the area through decentralization policy are not enough, equitability and inclusiveness in decision making is

nonexistence in the district, also that the policy has not yet brought good service delivery to the area and lack of adequate funding at the local level. However,

there are significant possibilities, which can be harnessed by essential stakeholders including the state and the people. The possibilities can form a

critical basis for making decentralization as a positive-sum solution for Uganda rather than a zero-sum one as was the case before. It is imperative for the Districts and Urban Governments to raise their own revenue and use it efficiently in the provision of services for effective decentralization system which leads to good governance. Donor funds; another important achievement on the improvement of financial resources by local government is the way in which donor funds are channeled. Previously all donor assistance needed to be based on an

agreement between foreign donors and the central government of the Republic of Uganda which is not the case today

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION

APPROVAL ii

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv

LIST OF ACRONYMS v

ABSTRACT vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS vii

CHAPTER ONE 1

INTRODUCTION 1

1.1. Background of the study 1

1.2. Statement of the Problem 7

1.4. Objectives of the Study 8

1.5. Research Questions 8

1.6 Scope of the Study 9

1.7 Significance of the Study 9

1.8 Conceptual framework 9

1.9 Definition of key concepts 11

CHAPTERTWO 13

LITERATURE REVIEW 13

2.1 The role of decentralization in promoting rural development 13

2.2 The challenges of decentralization policy in promoting rural development 14

2.3. The solutions to the challenges of decentralization policy in promoting rural

development 20

CHAPTER THREE 22

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 22

3.1 Research Design 22

vii

3.2. Population of the study .22

3.3 Sample Size 22

3.4 Sample Selection 23

3.5 Research Instruments 23

3.6. Validity and reliability of research instrument 24

3.8 Data Analysis 24

3.10. Limitations of the study 25

CHAPTER FOUR 26

DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION 26

4.1. Socio- demographic representation of respondents 26

4.1.1. The respondents were asked to state their gender and below are the

responses in the pie chat 26

4.1.2. The distribution of respondents according to age 27

4.1.3. The distribution of respondents according to academic background 27

4.2. The role of decentralization policy on rural development 29

4.2.1. With decentralization policy the roads in rural areas have improved and

people can move without difficulty 29

4.2.2. The local government informs the community population on the decisions

taken to serve them better 30

4.2.3. There are enough health services in like hospitals and health centers in3O

4.2.4. There are enough public schools and in Kisekka sub county both primary

and secondary schools to serve the community better 31

4.3. The challenges of the decentralization policy in service rural development in

Kisekka sub county 32

4.3.1. Decentralization policy is faced with inadequate funding in Kisekka sub

county Lwengo district. The responses are indicated in the table below 33

4.3.2. Lack of financial autonomy affects the implementation of development

plans Kisekka Sub County Lwengo district 33

4.3.3. Lack of ability to manage properly public funds and to maintain proper 34

• 3.3.4. Decentralization policy involves stakeholders and do not agree on a

common view 35

4.3. Solutions to the challenges of the decentralization policy in service in

Kisekka sub county delivery in Lwengo district 36

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4.3.1. The success of decentralization depends on the capacity local

governments to raise their own revenue and use it efficiently~~36

4.3.2. For decentralization to achieve its targets there has to be high level of

public accountability in Kisekka sub county Lwengo district 37

CHAPTER FIVE 40

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMENDATIONS 40

5.1. Summary of findings 40

5.2. Conclusions 42

5.3. Recommendations 43

5.4. Areas for further Research study 43

REFERENCES 44

APPENDIX 1 49

RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRE 49