Human Resource Management Practices and Performance of Local Governments in Uganda: A case study of Buikwe district

Abstract

This study was carried out in Buikwe district Local Government, with the purpose of examining the relationship between Human resource management practices and the performance of local governments in Uganda. The study used the contingency theory to explain how Local Government can improve their performance through improving the Human Resource Management practices. The study used a correlation research study design, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches on the population of employees in Buikwe district Local Government. The study used both purposive and simple random sampling techniques were 121 respondents were selected out of 201 employees. The results got from analysis indicated that there is a positive significant relationship between recruitment, motivation and employee training and the performance of Local Government in Uganda. The study concludes that in the absence of proper recruitment practices, incompetent staff will be recruited and negatively affect the local government performance; training and development of employees are essential aspects for the realization of better employee performance in local governments; although wages are still important for staff motivation, nonmonetary incentives such as recognition need to be given consideration. The study therefore recommends that the district management with the district service commission need to put in place a rigorous selection criteria that will help to select and recruit qualified employees that will help to improve district performance. The district management and political leadership also need to recognize the achievements and contributions of employees to motivate them to perform and training needs assessment (TNA) should be carried out for better implementation of trainings.