LOCAL GOVERNMENT BUREACRACY AND SERVICE DELIVERY IN KIKUUBE DISTRICT, UGANDA. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background:

Service delivery dates back to the earliest days of civilization. Ancient societies had systems in place to provide necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare. The study aims to assess the local government bureaucracy and service delivery in Kikuube District.

Methodology:

A descriptive, cross-sectional correlational research design was used to establish the relationship between bureaucracy and service delivery survey design and adopted a quantitative paradigm. Variables were measured and analyzed using numbers, pre-determined hypotheses, population, procedure, and instrument and data analysis techniques.

Results:

65% of the respondents were male while females were 35%. The correlation between procurement bureaucracies and service delivery in the Kikuube District was -0.491. There is a strong agreement among respondents regarding the impact of procurement bureaucracies on service delivery. Discretionary powers in bureaucratic procurement processes were used for personal gain, undermining service delivery. The correlation between finance bureaucracies and service delivery was 0.625. Finance bureaucracies establish financial controls and procedures that ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, guaranteeing public funds. The correlation between human resource bureaucracies and service delivery was 0.673. Local government plays a significant role in recruiting and selecting competent individuals, evidenced by the mean response of 4.0. Implementing performance management systems, including performance appraisals, feedback mechanisms, and reward systems, is rated very low with a mean response of 1.2.

Conclusion:

Different types of bureaucracies within the local government have varying effects on service delivery. While procurement bureaucracies may hinder service delivery, finance, and human resource bureaucracies are associated with improved service delivery.

Recommendation:      

The local government should address the bureaucratic procedures causing delays in the procurement process, Simplify and expedite the procurement procedures to reduce delays, and restrict the number of potential service providers.