Institutional Factors Affecting Quality of Roads in Uganda: A Case Study of Rukungiri Municipality

Abstract

This study examined the institutional factors affecting the quality of roads in Uganda using a case of Rukungiri Municipality. Specifically, the study reviewed planning, procurement control, supervision and monitoring and how they affect the quality of roads. It was hypothesized in the study that, planning, procurement control, supervision and monitoring positively affect the quality of roads. The empirical data was collected using cross sectional survey design and questionnaires and interview guide as research instruments from 61 respondents. The empirical data was analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively to examine the effect of institutional factors on the quality of roads. The key findings of the study indicated that the three institutional factors selected for the study that is, planning, procurement control and supervision and monitoring positively affected the quality of roads in Rukungiri Municipality. This was because there was a significant relationship (0.007 for planning, 0.013 for procurement control and 0.001for supervision and monitoring) that was established from the study between these variables and quality of roads. From the study, it was recommended that the existing planning activities be sustained by involving all kind of stakeholders required so as the quality of roads can be consistently enhanced; procurement control needs to follow clearly the stipulated criteria in the PPDA act of 2013; while supervision and monitoring be done in a quality and proper manner. Further research was recommended to cover other institutional factors and quality attributes and indicators and be conducted in a wider population of Rukungiri municipality or other Municipalities in Uganda.