Contractor Management and Performance of Selected Road Infrastructure Projects in Uganda National Roads Authority

Abstract

The study examined the effect of contractor management on the performance of selected road infrastructure projects at Uganda National Roads Authority. The study was premised on the following research objectives: to examine the effect of contractor selection on performance of selected road infrastructure projects at UNRA, to assess the effect of contractor monitoring on performance of road infrastructure projects at UNRA, to assess the moderating effect of the oversight role played by PPDA on the relationship between contractor selection, contractor monitoring and performance of road infrastructure projects at UNRA. In this study, a total number of 145 respondents were expected but 102 respondents returned the survey instruments representing a response rate of 70.3%. The data was collected using questionnaires and interviews and analysis was done using regression analysis and correlation coefficients for the quantitative findings. Qualitative analysis was done using content and thematic analysis. The findings revealed that there is a positive relationship between contractor selection, contractor monitoring and oversight role of PPDA and performance of road infrastructure projects. The results on contractor selection and performance of road infrastructure projects were r = .476**, p = 0.000 < 0.05, the results for contractor monitoring and performance of road infrastructure projects indicated that r = 0.427**, p = 0.000 < 0.05 and the results for oversight role of PPDA that r = 0.512, p = 0.00 > 0.05. It was concluded that: regular assessment and evaluation is necessary in order to ensure effective contractor selection. Contractors selected at times are not well managed or reviewed to ensure they meet evolving business needs hence ending up in numerous complaints. There is need to ensure proper contractor selection and monitoring through transparent and flexible bidding processes and following advice of the Regulatory Agency.