Decentralization and local government service delivery in Uganda: a case of Mbale municipal council

Abstract

This study examined the effect of decentralization and local government service delivery in Mbale Municipal Council. A cross-sectional research design with qualitative and quantitative approaches was used for the study. A sample of 292 respondents was mobilized, based on Solven’s sampling formula. The quantitative findings of this study were analysed using SPSS v 23, and a regression analysis was done to establish the effect relationships between decentralization and local government service delivery. Content analysis was done to provide thematic appreciation of the Qualitative data and generate a detailed narrative and context sensitive presentation. Study findings indicate that there was an improvement in local government service delivery but a lot remains to be done to meet the people’s expectations. That is to say, improvements in the administrative, fiscal, and political aspects of decentralization had a positive influence on efficiency of services delivered (β = 0.229). As measures to improve local government service delivery, the study recommends that people should be involved in decision-making so that they make choices of adjustments in services and how these should be delivered. In conclusion, to guarantee effective service delivery, political leaders, civil servants and agents of target populations should be accountable.