Decentralization and Service Delivery in the Health Sector of Kakanju Sub-County, Bushenyi District Local Government
- October 14, 2021
- Posted by: RSIS
- Category: Social Science
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue IX, September 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186
Patience Kushaba*, Dr. Henry Noel
School of Graduate Studies and Research, Team University, Plot 446, Kabaka Ajagara.rd., Kampala-Uganda
*Corresponding Author
Abstract: The study examined the relationship between decentralization and quality of service delivery in health sector of Kakanju Sub-County in Bushenyi District Local Government. The study was guided by the following specific objectives; relationship between accountability and quality of service delivery in health sector of Kakanju Sub-County, relationship between transparency and quality of service delivery in health sector of Kakanju Sub-County Local Government, and relationship between local participation in decision making and quality of service delivery in health sector of Kakanju Sub-County Local Government in Bushenyi district. The study adopted descriptive, correlational and cross sectional survey designs and a sample size of 384 respondents including LCIII Chairperson, Sub-County Chief/SAS, CDO, Local Councilors and community members who were selected using simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and structured interviews. The data was analyzed using correlations and regression analysis to analyze and measure the degree of relationship between accountability, transparency, local participation in decision making and quality of service delivery and was run using SSPS Version 16.0. The major findings of the study revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between accountability and service delivery in health sector and accountability was a predictor of service delivery in health sector. Likewise, a significant positive relationship was observed between transparency and service delivery in health sector where transparency was seen to be a predictor of service delivery in health sector. Further still, the relationship between local participation in decision making and service delivery in health sector showed a significant positive relationship. In conclusion, transparency, accountability and local participation in decision making as dimensions of decentralization, determine service delivery in health sector of Kakanju Sub-County Local Government in Bushenyi District Local Government. The study recommends, therefore, there is need to strengthen the local governance structures to better understand and perform their roles, responsibilities and ensure accountability. There is need to promote transparency and systems that recognize participation, to incentivize citizens to take part actively in social and community health programs such as societies and associations, and mass immunization campaigns. The local communities should be at the core of the service delivery system by receiving the services and participating in designing of the agenda for public service delivery.
Keywords: Decentralization, Quality of Service, Accountability, Transparency and Local participation
