Procurement Practices and Service Delivery in Local Governments: A Case Study of Kumi District, Uganda

ABSTRACT This study carried out establish the effect of procurement practices in Kumi district local government. To achieve the purpose, this study was guided by three specific objectives included; (i) to establish the relationship between procurement policy on Service Delivery in Kumi District Local Government, Uganda (ii) to determine the relationship between procurement planning and Service Delivery in Kumi District Local Government, Uganda and (iii) to establish the relationship between sustainable procurement practices and Service Delivery in Kumi District Local Government, Uganda. The researcher used descriptive and cross sectional research design and by using a sample of 149 respondents; self-administered questionnaires, data was collected and analysed using SPSS and results were obtained per objectives stated. The study found out that there is a positive relationship between procurement policy and service delivery in Kumi district local government in Uganda. This means that if constructs that were listed under Procurement policy are put to good practice, they will lead to better and improved service delivery in Kumi district local government. Secondly, findings revealed positive relationship between procurement planning and service delivery in Kumi district local government. A slight improvement in procurement planning affects the level of service delivery. Thirdly, sustainable procurement practices improve service delivery in Kumi district local government. Generally, as per the purpose of the study, procurement practices significantly affect service delivery in Kumi district local government, Uganda. (t = 4.019, sig. = 0.000). The results indicated that procurement practices are responsible for about 21.6% on service delivery in Kumi district local government (R Square = .216); in other words, only 21.6% of the service delivery is explained by procurement practices. This study recommends that local governments should put to use the suggested procurement practices since they enhance service delivery as per this study. This study recommends that district leaders should ensure that best procurement policies are passed and put in place to improve service delivery, that district local governments should invest more into procurement services for better results and service delivery and that sustainable procurement practices should be identified and put to use by the stakeholders in district local government