An evaluation of the performance of decentralization policy in Busoba Sub County, Mbale District

Abstract

This study is an Evaluation of the Decentralization policy in Busoba Sub county Mbale district. The study was to establish: 1. If real power has been transferred to lower local councils. 2. Find out the extent to which ordinary people have been empowered. 3. Find out the extent to which the Technical staff and Local leadership is accountable to the people: In the study, literature was reviewed to find out what has been written on the area of study and the gaps available that necessitated the study. To establish the objectives of the study, the researcher used a number of data collection techniques such as interviews, questionnaires, focus group discussion, observation and documentary review. The problems experienced in the study were also highlighted. The findings of the study reveal that the people are involved in decision making, but that funds to the local governments are not consistent and timely. Accountability to the people is mainly through Councilors and the relationship between the technical staff and the politicians is not very cordial. The findings further reveal that Decentralization has given the people of Busoba Sub County the face of government, ordinary people are involved in the management of projects and have formed a number of development association to fight poverty. Decentralization has also promoted transparency. The study therefore recommended that; grants and transfers from Central government should be consistent and in time, the policy of co-funding should be scrapped, education level for councilors should be raised and they should be orientated in their roles. There is need to re-mobilize and sensitize the people about the importance of participating in sub-county activities; there is also need to focus on the quality of services being delivered to the people. On the whole with decentralization, Busoba Sub County is better today than in the pre-decentralization era.