Decentralisation and service delivery : human resource issues in Wakiso and Nakaseke districts of Uganda

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.