The Effects of Conflicts on Service delivery in Bukwo Local Government

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to assess whether conflicts in Bukwo District Local Government affect service delivery. Bukwo District is located in Eastern Uganda. The specific objectives of the study were: to assess the extent to which individual conflicts, inter group conflicts and intra group conflicts affect service delivery in Bukwo District Local Government. Research questions were raised to guide the study. Relevant data was collected using the survey research design. The target population was made up of 859 members, out of which a sample of 265 respondents was selected using simple random sampling, systematic sampling and purposive sampling. The questionnaire and Interview Guide were used as research instruments to collect the required data. Additional data was collected by reviewing journals, council minutes, magazines, library books, manuals, workshop papers, official circulars, Acts of parliament, newspapers, as well as the internet. In order to ensure validity and reliability, the research instruments were pre tested before they were adopted for use in the field. The data was then electronically analyzed, interpreted and presented with the help of The Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS 16.0). The analysis involved establishing frequencies, relaying data by way of diagrams and computing the mean, the correlation and regression coefficients to determine whether there was a relationship between conflicts and service delivery and the extent of the relationship. The results showed that all dimensions of conflict have a negative effect on service delivery. In the case of Bukwo District Local Government, however, the effect was not substantial. From the findings it was established that inter-group conflicts were the most prevalent in Bukwo district. Although the effect on service delivery was not substantial, it is recommended that the actual causes of conflicts be identified and addressed in order to minimise their effect. The district should also put in place a mechanism for resolving conflicts.