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Decentralisation in Uganda: Exploring the Constraints for Poverty Reduction

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  • Steiner, Susan

Abstract

It is often claimed that decentralisation is effective for the reduction of poverty due to inherent opportunities for higher popular participation and increased efficiency in public service delivery. This paper is a qualitative assessment of the potential of the Ugandan decentralisation reform for poverty alleviation. The Ugandan government initiated an ambitious decentralisation reform in 1992, which represents an example of full-fledged devolution with the transfer of far-reaching responsibilities to local governments. However, several shortcomings, such as low levels of accountability, insufficient human and financial resources, corruption, patronage, and central resistance to decentralisation, constrain the proper implementation of the reform, putting improvements in participation and efficiency at risk and ultimately jeopardising the intended impact on poverty.

Suggested Citation

  • Steiner, Susan, 2006. "Decentralisation in Uganda: Exploring the Constraints for Poverty Reduction," GIGA Working Papers 31, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:gigawp:31
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Van Alstine, James & Manyindo, Jacob & Smith, Laura & Dixon, Jami & AmanigaRuhanga, Ivan, 2014. "Resource governance dynamics: The challenge of ‘new oil’ in Uganda," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 40(C), pages 48-58.
    2. Perego, Viviana M.E., 2019. "Crop prices and the demand for titled land: Evidence from Uganda," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 137(C), pages 93-109.
    3. Nabukeera Madinah & Ali Boerhannoeddin & Raja Noriza Binti Raja Ariffin & Bwengye Michael, 2015. "Recentralization of Kampala City Administration in Uganda," SAGE Open, , vol. 5(3), pages 21582440155, July.
    4. repec:bcp:journl:v:5:y:2021:i:09:p:594-602 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Stroh, Alexander, 2007. "Crafting Political Institutions in Africa. Electoral Systems and Systems of Government in Rwanda and Zambia Compared," GIGA Working Papers 43, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies.
    6. Independent Evaluation Group, 2008. "Decentralization in Client Countries : An Evaluation of World Bank Support, 1990-2007," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 6543, April.
    7. Lessmann, Christian & Markwardt, Gunther, 2012. "Aid, Growth and Devolution," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 40(9), pages 1723-1749.
    8. E. P. Mbau & C. M. Iraya & M. Mirie & J. M. Njihia, 2020. "An Empirical Study on the Moderating Effect of Public Governance on the Relationship Between Fiscal Decentralization and Performance of County Governments in Kenya," Journal of Finance and Investment Analysis, SCIENPRESS Ltd, vol. 9(2), pages 1-2.
    9. Nicol, Alan & Odinga, W., "undated". "IWRM [Integrated Water Resources Management] in Uganda - progress after decades of implementation," Papers published in Journals (Open Access) H047822, International Water Management Institute.

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