Stakeholder Involvement And Service Delivery In The Oil Industry In Uganda: A Case Study Of Oil Exploration In Buliisa District, Western Uganda

ABSTRACT

The study focused on assessing the influence of stakeholder involvement on service delivery in the oil sector in Buliisa District, western Uganda. The study sought to establish the extent to which stakeholder involvement in the oil exploration design/planning, implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) processes has influenced service delivery in Buliisa. The study employed a correlational research design and both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A total of 114 respondents participated in the study and included 60 residents of Buliisa, 12 district political leaders, 11 district civil servants, 05 officials from the oil exploration industry, 10 Kingdom Elders, 10 Civil Society Organization officials, 03 religious leaders, 03 officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. Primary and secondary sources of data were used and data was collected using interviews and questionnaire. The Pearson correlation Coefficient and Regression Analysis were used to analyze the collected data. The study findings revealed that there is a positive relationship between stakeholder involvement in the oil exploration design/planning, implementation and M&E processes and service delivery in Buliisa. It was concluded that, stakeholder involvement in planning, implementation and M&E processes enhances service delivery. The study recommended proactive engagement of stakeholders to understand their expectations and incorporate them in plans, managing clear communication strategies to develop trust and, implement an efficient and easily accessible mechanism for claims and complaints. This proactive engagement ensure participation of stakeholders who are interested in planning, implementation and M&E,and assure transparency by the government about revenues distribution and procurement of infrastructure projects while holding regular community consultations through the planning ,implementation and M&E