Abstract:
This article investigates human resource issues in the decentralised districts of
Nakaseke and Wakiso in Uganda and the manner in which they pose a challenge to
service delivery in local government. The article argues that human resource issues
have implications for the empowerment of citizens and for service delivery in local
communities in Uganda. While the decentralisation policy has been integral to
the democratic government system that has taken root in Uganda since the 1990s,
the link between decentralisation and empowering communities through service
delivery is not automatic. The decentralisation policy has encountered a number of
challenges relating to the legal and institutional framework, the political, financial
and administrative issues. Some of the bottlenecks in service delivery are related
to human resource issues because they determine the efficiency and the quality of
services offered by local government structures.
The article encompasses both primary and secondary data in analysing the
relationship between decentralisation (specifically human resource aspects) and
service delivery in Wakiso and Nakaseke. Data was collected through interviews, questionnaires and focus group discussions, as well as through a literature survey of
relevant documents such as reports, minutes, legislation, journals, newspapers and
textbooks.
The findings reveal that districts are constrained by human resource challenges
that entail inadequate staff, lack of competence among elected leaders, ambiguous
legislation to guide district officials in their work and inappropriate training policies.
The article recommends mitigation measures to address the human resource
challenges in order to enhance efficiency in service delivery.
