Decentralisation and Public Service Delivery in Uganda: A Case of Mbarara City

Abstract

Despite the implementation of decentralization policies aimed at transferring administrative, fiscal, and political powers to local governments, public service delivery in Uganda, particularly in Mbarara City, remains inadequate. This study aimed to identify and analyze the factors hindering the effectiveness of decentralization in enhancing public service delivery in Mbarara City. Specific objectives included assessing the effectiveness of decentralization policies, analyzing the challenges and opportunities in their implementation, and formulating evidence-based policy recommendations. A descriptive research design integrating both quantitative and qualitative data was employed. The study found that while decentralization has led to improvements in decision- making efficiency and resource allocation, significant challenges such as insufficient funding, lack of training, and coordination issues persist. These challenges impede the full potential of decentralization, despite some reported improvements in public service quality and accountability. The study recommends several strategic interventions to address these challenges. Firstly, increasing budget allocations to local governments is critical to enable effective implementation of decentralized services. Secondly, regular capacity-building programs should be established to equip local officials with the necessary skills and knowledge. Thirdly, enhancing coordination mechanisms between different government levels is essential to streamline operations and reduce inefficiencies. Fourthly, improving transparency through the adoption of digital platforms for tracking service delivery and budget expenditures is recommended to build public trust and ensure accountability. The findings highlight that addressing these areas is crucial for optimizing the benefits of decentralization and ultimately enhancing public service delivery in Mbarara City. The study concludes that without these targeted policy interventions, the goals of decentralization may remain underachieved, thus impeding broader national development objectives.