Implementation of Administrative Decentralization, Enhancement of Human Capacity and Services Delivery of Selected Local Governments in Busoga Region

ABSTRACT This study correlated between implementation of administrative decentralization and enhancement of human capacity on services delivery in selected local governments in Busoga region. The specific objectives of the study were in these variables : (1) socio demographic characteristics of the respondents in terms of gender, age, tribe, religion, educational qualification, present position, number of years work experience in present position , district and department ; (2) the extent of implementation of administrative decentralization in terms of delegation , fiscal decentralization devolution , deconcentration and privatization; (3) level of enhancement of human capacity in the local governments in the following dimensions : training and development payment , leadership and communication, (4) level of services delivery in terms of water and sanitation services , education services , health services and political representation , (5) significant differences in the extent of administrative decentralization levels of enhancement of human capacity and services delivery between local governments under study ; (6) significant relationship between the extent of administrative decentralization and the level of services delivery in the selected local governments ; between the level of enhancement of human capacity and the level of services delivery .This study employed the ex post facto/retrospective-prospective and descriptive survey designs . The target population was 378 and the sample size calculated using sloven’s formula was 332. The research tools utilized in this study included :1) face sheet to the gathered data on respondents socio-demographic characteristics ; 2) non standardized questionnaires on administrative decentralization enhancement of human capacity and service delivery , patterned after related literature and tested validity and reliability . The statistical parameters used in the analysis were the frequency and percentage distribution, the mean, one way ANOVA for the significant differences, the Pearson Product Correlation Coefficient for the significant differences and relationships between the independent variables and dependent variable and regression analysis for the influence of the dependent variable on the independent variables. The findings were as follows: majority were male (52%); 20-39 years of age (57.8%) certificate holders (40.7%); Soga tribe (58.6%) . Most of the respondents (39.6%) had work experience of 1-3 years; Bugiri district had the most number of respondents (31.5%) and its health department with staff of (59.5%). Administrative decentralization was implemented (mean =2.59), enhancement of human capacity was satisfactory (mean=2.61) and service delivery was rated fair (mean=2.49). The study concludes that the null hypothesis of no significant differences and correlation between the extent of administrative decentralization and enhancement of human capacity on the level of services delivery were rejected. The findings of the study disproved particularly the theory of Manor(1999) and Binswager (1999) which stated that for significant promise or successes to occur in service delivery of local governments , the three forms of administrative decentralization namely : fiscal decentralization , evolution and deconcentration must be implemented .The focus of the theoretical framework was based on , administrative decentralization only , enhancement of human capacity was not in the framework , therefore , calling for modification of the theory . The recommendations were on: gender equality, fiscal decentralization especially on accountability of funds On the payments of workers, there is needed to build more sources of water and transport means should be improved.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Declaration A

Declaration B ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgement iv

Table of Contents v

List of Tables vii

List of Acronyms viii

Abstract ix

Chapter Page

One THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1

Introduction/Background Information 1

Statement of the Problem 7

Purpose of the Study 8

Research Objectives 9

Research Questions io

Hypothesis 12

Scope 12

Significance of the Study 14

Operational Definitions of Key Terms 15

Two LITERATURE REVIEW 16

Concepts, Opinions, Ideas from Authors /Experts 16

Theoretical Perspectives 35

Related Studies 36

V

Three METHODOLOGY

Research Design 60

Target Population 60

Sample Size 60

Sampling Procedure 61

Research Instrument 62

Validity and Reliability of the Instruments 63

Data Gathering Procedure 65

Data Analysis 66

Ethical Considerations 67

Limitations of the Study 68

Four PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

64

Five FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS 96

Findings 96

Conclusions 99

Recommendations 101

References 105

Appendices 114

Appendix I - Transmittal Letter 114

Appendix II - Clearance from Ethics Committee 116

Appendix III - Informed Consent 117

Appendix IV - Research Instrument 118

Appendix V - Sample size computation 122