The Role of Decentralization in Promoting Good Governance in Uganda: A Case Study of Makindye Division, Kampala City Council.

ABSTRACT Decentralization and governance is traced from the pre-colonial period when governance was vested in the hands of traditional leaders. Today, characteristics such as democracy, rule of law, accountability, transparency, equitability and inclusiveness, consensus oriented, participation both direct and indirect, efficiency and effectiveness, have been identified with this system, though particular pitfalls continue to prevail. The topic under this study is the role of decentralization in promoting good governance in Uganda. In this study, the researcher examined the institutions and processes existing in local governments to promote democracy, established whether there is popular participation, examined the institutions that promote accountability and finally examined the role of local elections towards transparency in Makindye division in particular, and Uganda in general. The study used a descriptive study design and was both qualitative and quantitative. Data was gathered on democracy, the magnitude of popular participation and institutional mechanisms for accountability in Uganda and Makindye division in particular. Data was collected using different instruments, that is, Questionnaires, interviews, documentation, focus group discussions and observation. Data analysis was done manually and expressed in tables, bar graphs and a pie-chart as summary for the data and ease for analysis. The findings of the study indicated that decentralization programme if well implemented can promote good governance. Results reveal that there is positive correlation coefficiency between decentralization and good governance as seen from Makindye Division Local Government. The study recommends that; the central government should stop interfering with the local governments' decisions through the Assistant Resident District Commissioner. It further recommended that the central government increases on the funding of decentralized activities of local governments and to increase on their sources of revenue to facilitate the enhancement of good governance and improve on the social and economic status of the masses.