Accountability and performance of the road sector in Pallisa District Local Government, Uganda.

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between accountability and road sector performance in Pallisa District Local Government. Specific objectives included; establishing the relationship between political accountability and road sector performance, investigating the relationship between administrative accountability and road sector performance, finding out the relationship between financial accountability and road sector performance as well as establishing the relationship between professional accountability and road sector performance. The study adopted a case study research design with quantitative and qualitative approaches. With a population of 180, 166 respondents were drawn to form the sample. A response rate of 60.2% was obtained. Findings revealed a positive relationship for political accountability (.568**), administrative accountability at (.677**), financial accountability (.365**) and professional accountability (.751**) realized with road sector performance. The following can be concluded based on the findings; most politicians influenced tendering process. CAO has a challenge of overseeing LG administrative operations especially on time management, the DEC is influenced politically, road works are delayed and few stakeholders engaged in meetings, while fewer Local Government staff participates in the budgeting process. There is also delayed report submission and vouchers and receipts being reported missing. BOQ estimates being over the odds, ethical conduct was violated and road equipment /plants misused. Recommendations drawn include; recruit more technical staff for engineering department, Council should adopt bottom up planning approach, enact more local road sector ordinances and Finance and Administration department put in place better accountability controls. Ensure timely coordination; tighten HR rules, reviewing the reporting mechanism and draw a matrix of planned meetings. Reviewing and documenting revenue bases, need for autonomous role for Quality Assurance, increase sensitization programs on payment of taxes and purchase better storage facilities. Undertaking more price -product cost survey, review the inventory system and establishing Quality Assurance material testing lab.