The effectiveness of decentralization in enhancing service delivery: a case study of Nkuringo town council, Kisoro district.

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of decentralization in enhancing service delivery in Nkuringo Town Council, Kisoro District, Uganda. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research investigated how three key dimensions - financial autonomy, administrative empowerment, and political devolution - impact the quality, accessibility, timeliness, and equity of public services such as health, education, and infrastructure. Quantitative data was collected through structured questionnaires from 285 respondents, including community members, technical staff, and local leaders, while qualitative insights were obtained via key informant interviews. Descriptive analysis revealed low levels of financial autonomy, with heavy reliance on delayed central government grants and limited local revenue generation, which hampers the council’s capacity to fund critical services. Inferential statistics showed significant positive relationships between decentralization components and service delivery outcomes; notably, financial autonomy (r=0.682, p<0.01) had the strongest influence. Regression analysis indicated that financial autonomy explained 46.5% of the variance in service delivery, underscoring its pivotal role. Similarly, administrative empowerment and political devolution exhibited positive effects, but to a lesser extent. Qualitative findings highlighted systemic challenges such as resource shortages, bureaucratic delays, and limited political independence, which hinder decentralization’s potential benefits. The study concludes that despite legal frameworks supporting decentralization, systemic bottlenecks—particularly in fiscal and administrative capacities—undermine service delivery improvements. It recommends urgent reforms to enhance local revenue collection, streamline administrative processes, and safeguard political independence to realize decentralization’s full potential. Strengthening local fiscal powers, capacity building, and minimizing central interference are critical to ensure that Nkuringo Town Council effectively delivers quality services, thereby promoting sustainable local development.