Good Governance, Public Policy and Capacity Building in Uganda. 1986-2006. A Critical Study:

Abstract This research paper debates issues experienced in implementing public policies, the role of good governance and capacity building in Uganda. The paper highlights the complexity and messiness of real world in policy-making and implementation in which institutions are influenced by, among other factors, their beliefs and values, the practices and power of other actors, their networks with other actors, and the political space for debate and negotiation in specific context. Good governance is a controversial issue meaning different thing to different people moreover it is inseparable with public policy making, implementation and the system of governance. The study critically examined the histmy of governance in Uganda while drawing information from different literature by different scholars and then came to a conclusion that the system of governance in a country directly affects the way policies are made, implemented and the extent at which elements of good governance are incorporated in the public policy processes. Secondaiy information was used as a basis of analysis which showed that governments institutions and international agencies play a vital role in the public policy affair however they cannot simply make policy implementation work better through the exercise of their own power alone, a collective effort is needed right from the onset of policy fo1mulation up to policy implementation stage. They need to develop capabilities in managerial skills that allow for the appropriate framework and set a stage for institutional reform. This is the political will required to bridge the 'know do' gap, support effective decision-making through participation, transparency, democracy and responsiveness to sustain policy implementation.