A cross-sectional study on the relationship between political and administrative conflicts and service delivery in Kyenjonjo District Local Government

Abstract

Background

Despite the government establishing Boards and Commissions to improve the management process of the Local Government under the decentralization system in Uganda, service delivery remains weak. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between political conflicts and service delivery in Kyenjonjo District Local Government.

Methodology

The study undertook a cross-sectional survey design characterized by both qualitative and quantitative methods. The target population of the study was 75 individuals, of whom 62 were selected. The respondents were selected using simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. Data was collected from the selected respondents using a structured questionnaire and the interview guide. (SPSS) was used for data processing and analysis.

Results

65% of the study participants were males, and 43.3% of the respondents had a bachelor's degree. A strong negative relationship was observed between political conflicts and service delivery, with a correlation coefficient of -0.714 and a significance level of p = 0.001. The study also found a significant negative correlation between administrative conflicts and service delivery, with a correlation coefficient of -0.694 and a significance value of p = 0.002. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) said, "Service delivery in the district faces numerous challenges, primarily due to limited financial resources and delays in funding from the central government. Even when funds are released, bureaucratic bottlenecks affect implementation timelines.”

Conclusion

The findings clearly demonstrate that political and administrative conflicts significantly and negatively impact service delivery in Kyenjonjo District Local Government.

Recommendation

The local government should strengthen political-administrative collaboration by establishing clear boundaries between political and technical roles to reduce interference in administrative decisions and foster cooperation in service delivery.