Contract Management and the Quality of Roads Constructed by Local Governments in Uganda: A case study of Luwero District

Abstract

The study aimed at examining the effect of contract management on the quality of roads constructed by Luwero District Local Government. Contract management was conceptualized as contract planning, contract evaluation, and contract monitoring. The study followed a case study design using both qualitative and quantitative approaches.The study population comprised of the Accounting Officer, Resident District Commissioner, LCV Chairperson, members of road user committees, the District Engineer and selected road users. Quantitative data was collected using self-administered questionnaires while qualitative data was collected using interviews and documentary reviews. The response rate of 89% was sufficient enough to rely on the results of the study.Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS by summarizing results in form of tables and figures. Pearson product moment correlation coefficient was computed to establish the relationship between variables and multiple regression analysis was done to establish the casual influence of contract management on the quality of roads. The study established that: there was a positive significant relationship between contract management and quality of roads. The study concluded that contract management significantly influences the quality of roads constructed by Luwero District Local Government. Recommendations were that; a contract implementation schedule or activity plan should be embedded in contract documents and that contract managers should actively enforce them, a fine be imposed on contractors who do not complete works in the contract period and training of contract managers on how to manage contracts be strengthened.