Stakeholders’ participation, corruption and performance of rehabilitation projects in northern Uganda: A case study of NUSAF-Lira district.

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of stakeholders’ participation and corruption on the performance of Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF) rehabilitation project in Lira District. A cross-sectional survey study design was used and was built on a triangulation approach. Data were obtained through questioning, in-depth interviewing, observation and document reviewing. The findings revealed that community participation, civil society participation and corruption significantly affect the performance of NUSAF in Lira district while Local Government participation did not have significant effect. Findings also indicated that better project performance can be achieved if stakeholders participate actively to the assigned roles and responsibilities. Facilities, resources and technical skills amidst sound relations between and among the various stakeholders should also be available throughout the project cycle. It is recommended that; for performance improvement, communities should be sensitized and mobilized for active participation; stakeholders (community members, civil society and Local Government) should fully participate in all phases of NUSAF and; sufficient funds should be allocated for Monitoring and Evaluation. All stakeholders should be sensitized on the forms of corruption in addition to enforcement of disciplinary measures on the corrupt officials. Other factors not explained by this research should however be explored to determine how they affect project performance. Further research could cover the effects of factors like; tradition of people, ownership and access to land, participation of donors and natural factors among others on the performance of projects meant to empower poor communities.