Institutional Factors Affecting the Performance of Urban Local Governments in Uganda:- A case of Bugiri Town Council

Abstract

This study examined the Institutional factors affecting the performace of Urban Local Governments in Uganda, taking a case of Bugiri Town Council, with specific focus on: The relationship between formal and informal Institutional factors with performance of Bugiri Town Council, and the moderating effect of Infrastructure on the performance of Bugiri Town Council. The study used a case study design, conducted to a cross section of a sample size of 92 respondents. Data was collected using self administered questionnaires and interview guides. Quantitative data was analysed with the aid of the statistical package for Social Scientists, and presented as descriptive statistics, Correlation coefficients and regression models. On the other hand, qualitative data was sorted, summarised and presented against the study themes. Results indicated a positive but very weak relationship between institutional factors and Urban local governmnets performance; the regression model results showed that informal institutional factors were responsible for 3.2% of the variation in local governments performance, while infrastructure affected the relationship between institutional factors and urban local governments performance by 7.6%. Basing on the findings, it was concluded that; there was need to emphasise leadership, policies and regulations for improved performance; values, norms, attitudes, beliefs, ethical standards, and codes of conduct should be positively promoted for better performance; and, during planning and resource allocation priority should be put on infrastructure development.The study recommended that; Ministry of Public Service should strengthern leadership in Uganda Urban Councils; Governance should be strenghthened and emphasized for improved performance; informal Institutional factors like Morals and norms, Culture and Traditions, Habits, Attitudes & beliefs should be followed for better performance; and infrastructure development should be prioritized in planning and resource allocation.