Emergency logistics and response to the covid19 pandemic in local governments: a case study of Wakiso district - Uganda

Abstract

The global spread of the novel corona virus disease (COVID-19) at an exponential rate resulted in its declaration by the World Health Organization as the 2019–20 corona virus pandemic. In such situations, Donoghue et al., (2020) observe that, the imperative is to learn and adapt rapidly in the current environment. Emergency logistics plays a vital role in processes and activities that constitute an effective response to any emergency like covid19. Communication; coordination; capacity; adaptability/flexibility; leadership; and mutual support should be the base governments at both national and sub-national levels for efforts of designing response mechanisms to reduce its spread and effects to their citizenry (World Health Organisation, 2010).The study sought to examine the relationship between emergency logistics and response to the Covid19 pandemic in local governments with focus on Wakiso District Local Government - Uganda. It was guided by the objectives to: examine relationship between distribution practices and response to covid19; analyze how logistics information systems relate with response to covid19; and examine the relationship between safety management practices and response to covid19 in Wakiso District Local Government.Based on the social-contract and legitimacy theories, the study adopted a phenomenological approach, a cross sectional survey and case study strategy, and both quantitative and qualitative methods. The study population was 243, out of which a sample of 144 was used with the response rate at 72.2% that is, 104 respondents. Self-administered questionnaires, interview guided, and document review checklists were used as data collection instruments.The study concluded that there is a strong positive relationship between emergency logistics and response to the covid19 pandemic. With a coefficient r = 0.711, focus on better distribution logistics practice and strategy will significantly improve the effectiveness of response to both current and future pandemics in local governments.The study recommends the establishment of an integrated emergency logistics system that integrates pre-contracting and partnership arrangements with private suppliers of key pandemic relief items like food supplies, household supplies, and basic medical supplies, a periodic review of the state of emergency in particular health pandemic preparedness, and establishing an emergency logistics policy and plan to guide the operational aspects of emergency logistics in local governments is important. Key terms: Emergency logistics, Distribution practices, Logistics Information systems, Safety Management practices, and Response to Covid19.