Role Of Community Participation On Socio-Economic Development In Pingire Sub County, Serere District, Eastern Uganda

ABSTRACT

Whereas Uganda employed decentralization policy as one of the techniques for achieving social

service delivery and socio-economic development, the country’s highly centralized political

system has resulted in the widespread social-economic marginalization of rural areas, very little

attention has been focused on analyzing the relationship between socio-economic

marginalization and popular participation of community members in identifying issues they face

and suggesting solutions to them geared towards rural poverty alleviation. The underlying

principle has been distribution of resources to the grassroots to complement efforts geared

towards developing rural communities in Uganda. The main purpose of this paper is to analyze

the role of community participation on socio-economic development in Serere district~Pingir~

Sub County with efforts to alleviate rural poverty. Using a quantitative survey reseai~ch de~1~n~

target population of 100 respondents was set where the sample size of 80 respoident~ ~vei~d

interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The raw data from the field was analyzed

using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that while most respondents were

highly willing to participate in the development process through decision making, res6urce

mobilisation among others, they also suffered severe deprivation through illiteracy, igndranc~

suppression, political influences among other factors as discussed. Socio-economic develOpment

projects are meant to contribute to setting up of schools, dispensaries, creating ~mph~ineiit

opportunities, improve the standard of living and efficient transport among other& ~/et ~aIl~thCs~

was seen progressing at a slow pace. Furthermore, respondents were aware of the role OfsObiO~

economic development in society. Yet, community participation in development projCcts

seminars, workshops or educational tours was generally given little attention. Political influence

and suppression were mentioned as the major factors influencing low participation levels.

Finally, respondents seemed to agree that while development projects and programs ~refe ofi

course in addressing the country’s development challenges, they were least satisfied ~fth ft~

achievements so far. Among others, the study recommended that socio-econothi~ develO~ffiejit

projects be harmonized with the local development priorities/needs and the need ~to e~ablish

community based institutional mechanisms to make easy community participation in various projects.