RESULT ORIENTED MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND INSTITUTUTIONAL PERFOMANCE IN UGANDA. A CASE OF IBANDA DISTRICT LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Abstract

The study examined the role of result oriented management practices on the performance of Ibanda District local Government and looked at the role of strategic planning, implementation monitoring and performance measurement and how they affect performance of the district. The study used cross sectional survey design with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study population included CAOs, sub county chiefs, district staff members, district planners and local council leaders. Data collection utilized questionnaires and interviews. Means were obtained to show the central tendency of responses, and correlations to show relationships among variables. Findings revealed a significant positive relationship (r=852, p=.000) between strategic planning and performance of the district. The district has a mission, vision and goals that are understood by all. Planners set unrealistic goals that are not achievable. Performance indicators exist but are rarely achieved beyond average. Implementation monitoring and performance are positively related (r=.745, p=.000). Resource allocation prioritization is largely violated by politicization, data collection is only done regularly by the health team, other departments do not have them and staff performance appraisals are rarely done. Performance measurement is significantly related (r=.611, p= .000) performance of Ibanda District Local Government. Only indicators that attract political attention are provided with feedback. It was therefore concluded that all the three aspects (strategic planning, implementation monitoring and performance measurement) significantly influence performance of the district. Most employees do not thoroughly understand ROM, Unrealistic goals are some times set, there is no actual prioritization of resources, key performing aspects are rarely captured and feedback system is very poor. It was therefore recommended that the district should conduct refresher courses specifically in ROM, need to carry out needs assessment, prioritize resource allocation according to urgency and put a system in place for all the identified indicators.