ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to evaluate and examine governance structures and practices and
service delivery to provide comprehensive understanding of governance and service delivery
situation at sub-national levels in Uganda. Public service agencies are presumed to lack good
governance practices which adversely affect service delivery. It was argued that good
governance practices improve public service performance and ultimately enhances service
delivery. Furthermore, the study noted that the delivery of basic services such as potable water,
health, education, electricity and proper road communication can augment the living standard of
the people. Various public service reforms undertaken by the Government of Republic of
Uganda since independence in 1990 explain government’s resolve to good governance and
improved service delivery. Consequently, workable relationship between government and
citizens is needed to realise national development plans and Vision 2040.
The study used Kiruhura District local government case study in order to determine whether
governance practices have bearing on service delivery at sub-national levels in Uganda.
Qualitative research approach was utilized and qualitative data were collected in addition to
rigorous literature review and analysis. Scientifically, gathered information suggested that good
governance practices are certainly fundamental to service delivery and subsequently improve
people’s living standard particularly those residing in rural areas. The study found that the
Ugandan government exercised good governance practices and provided basic services to
citizens. Nonetheless, inappropriate governance practices by some public institutions delay
service delivery.
The study concluded that while poor governance and ineffective service delivery are
considerable challenges faced by public service, they are not insurmountable. The thesis
acknowledged a significant progress made by creating governance structures at sub-national
levels to provide and accelerate the delivery of essential services to citizens in Uganda.
Notwithstanding the above, more still need to be done to improve the socio-economic welfare of
Ugandan people. Therefore, the research recommended that the Government of Republic of
Uganda ought to provide sufficient resources and promote public participation to address the
needs and aspirations of the citizens particularly the previously marginalised people in rural
areas. Moreover, sub-national governance structures should be strengthened and essential
government functions and services be devolved.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
DECLARATION
APPROVAL ii
DEDICATION iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iv
ABRREVIATIONS v
TABLE OF CONTENTS vi
LIST OF TABLES x
ABSTRACT xi
CHAPTER ONE 1
INTROI)UCTION 1
1.1 Introduction 1
1 .2 Background to the study
1.2 Statement of the problem 5
.3 Purpose of the study 5
1.4 Objectives of the study 5
1.5 Research questions 6
1.6 Scope ofthe study 6
1.6.1 Geographical Scope 6
1 .6.2 Content scope 6
1 .6.4 Time Scope 7
1.7 Significance of the study 7
1.8 Definition of key terms 7
vi
CHAPTER TWO.9
LITERATURE REVIEW 9
2.0 Introduction 9
2.1 Good governance 9
2.2 Theoretical perspective 12
2.3 Conceptual framework 13
2.4 Review of Related literature 14
2.4.1 Good governance practices contribute and service delivery at sub-national levels in Uganda
14
2.4.2 Broad overview of governance and service delivery, taking into account their effects on the
living standard of grassroots communities in Uganda 17
2.4.3 Challenges related to governance and the provision of services in Uganda 19
2.5 Service delivery 21
2.6 Research Gaps 22
CHAPTER THREE 23
METHODOLOGY 23
3.1 Introduction 23
3.2 Research design 23
3.3 Study population 23
3.4 Sample size 24
3.5 Sampling Techniques and Procedures 24
3.5.1 Simple Random Sampling 25
3.5.2 Purposive Sampling 25
3.6.2 Interview Method 25
3.6.3 Documentary Review Method 26
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3.7 Data collection instruments.26
3.7. 1 Self-Administered Questionnaires 26
3.7.2 Interview Guide 26
3.7.3 Documentary Review Guide 26
3.8 Validity and Reliability 27
3.8.1 Validity 27
3.8.2 Reliability 27
3.9 Data Collection Procedures 28
3.10 DataAnalysis 28
3.11 Ethical Considerations 29
CHAPTER FOUR 30
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION 30
4.1 Introduction 30
4.2 Respondents’ Background Information 30
4.2. 1 Gender of respondents 30
4.2.2 Position of the respondent 31
4.2.3 Duration of service 32
4.3 The extent to which good governance practices contribute to service delivery at sub-national
levels in Kiruhura District 32
4.3.1 What governance structures does Kiruhura District have in place to promote good
governance practices and service delivery9 33
4.3.2 Tell me, and also explain the government services Kiruhura District provide to
communities at constituency level9 33
4.3.3 Mention and explain the strategies that Kiruhura District put in place to ensure that
administrative components meet the needs of the communities at constituency level9 34
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4.3.4 Are you satisfied with good governance in Kiruhura District9 35
4.4 To provide a broad overview of good governance and service delivery, taking into account
their effects on the living standard of grassroots communities in Kiruhura District 35
4.4. 1 How long have you stayed in Kiruhura district 36
4.5 The challenges faced by government in the provision of services in Kiruhura District 36
CHAPTER FIVF 39
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENFDATIONS 39
5.0 Introduction 39
5,1 Summary 39
5.2 Conclusions 42
5,3 Recommendations 44
5.4 Areas of further research 47
References 48
APPENDICES 53
Appendix A; Questionnaire 53
