AN ASESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF PUBLIC PROCUREMENT REFORMS ON SERVICE DELIVERY IN RUKUNGIRI DISTRICT LOCAL GOVERNMENT, UGANDA

Abstract

This report presents findings of the study that explored the effect of public procurement reforms on government procurement standards in terms of compliance and how this has affected the quality and timeliness of service delivery standards in Uganda using Rukungiri District as a microcosm unit of study. The specific objectives were to assess the effect of compliance with procurement rules and procedures; evaluate the effect of procurement oversight; and, assess the effect of staffing and functionality of procurement committees on the attainment of procurement objectives in Rukungiri District and their overall effect on service delivery. A cross-sectional research design was used to evaluate the effect of legal, integrity, institutional and intervening factors on procurement efficiency, both at institutional and national level. The sample for the study comprised 130 respondents out of the total accessible population of 134. Of these, 34 were district officials involved at some level of implementation of procurement reforms as well as politicians, and 96 respondents were purposively and randomly selected from the other clusters in line with Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sample determination criteria. The study generated an average response rate of 81.5 % which, according to Tsui et al, is very good (Tsui, Ashford, St, & Xin, 1995). Findings show that post reform adherence to the provisions of the procurement law in Rukungiri district has improved, though the current staff structure and staffing levels generally do not contribute to the attainment of the objectives of the procurement law. The study recommends wholesome training for departmental and procurement staff in project planning and management, competence and integrity improvement, strengthening audit oversight function and outlaw political interference. xiii Provision of financial support for departments to outsource expertise in complex specifications and improving staff remuneration to fend off the temptation to take bribes are considered critical.