Resource Allocation as a Strategy for Poverty Alleviation in Uganda: A Case Study of Igara and Sheema Counties in Bushenyi District

ABSTRACT This study was designed to explore resource allocation as a strategy for poverty alleviation using the Counties ofigara and Sheema in Bushenyi District, as a case study. The study targeted 382 residents and 52 officials; 40 development partners (NGOs) and 12 sector heads. The study objectives included; finding out the existence of resource allocation and its relationship with poverty alleviation, identifying the precise policy guidelines used in the allocation of resources; and determining the professional conduct in the process of resource allocation. The study employed a survey research design. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used in collecting and analyzing the data. Questionnaires for soliciting information from residents and officials; and observation of records, were used. The Results from the study show that resource allocation exists and it has a relationship with poverty alleviation. The study revealed that the following policies are used during resource allocation; Local Government Act 1997, Universal Primary Education, Primary Health Care, National Agricultural Advisory Services, The National Budget and The Operation Maintenance Sustainability Policy. It was also discovered that there may be unprofessional conduct in the process of resource allocation. It was concluded that there exists resource allocation and it has a relationship with poverty alleviation. The precise policy guidelines include Universal Primary Education, Universal Secondary Education, Primary Health Care and National Agricultural Advisory Services. Also the conduct of some officials involved in resource allocation is unprofessional.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Declaration ............................................................................................ .i

Dedication ............................................................................................. ii

Acknowledgement. ................................................................................. .iii

List ofTables ......................................................................................... vii

List of Figures ....................................................................................... viii

List of Acronyms .................................................................................... xi

Abstract ............................................................................................... x

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background ....................................................................................... !

1.2 Statement of the problem ........................................................................ 6

1.3 Purpose of the study .............................................................................. 6

1.4 Objectives of the study ........................................................................... 6

1.5 Research Questions .............................................................................. 7

1.6 Significance of the study ........................................................................ 7

1.7 Scope ................................................................................................. 8

IV

CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.0 Introduction ........................................................................................ 9

2.1 Theoretical Review .............................................................................. 9

2.2 Conceptual Framework ........................................................................ 12

2.3 Literature Review .............................................................................. 13

2.4 Research Hypothesis ........................................................................... 21

2.5 Conclusion ....................................................................................... 21

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction ...................................................................................... 22

3.1 Research design ................................................................................. 22

3.2 Area and population of study .................................................................. 22

3.3 Sample size and sampling techniques ......................................................... 23

3.4 Research Methods and Instruments ........................................................... 24

3.5 Observation ...................................................................................... 24

3.6 Validity ofinstruments ......................................................................... 24

3.7 Data analysis ..................................................................................... 25

3. 8 Research procedure ........................................................................... .25

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3.9 Problems encountered .......................................................................... 26

3.10 Conclusion ..................................................................................... 27

CHAPTER FOUR: PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

4.0 Introduction .................................................................................... 28

4.1 Socio-economic Characteristics .............................................................. 29

4.2 Relationship between resource allocation and poverty alleviation ..................... 30

4.3 Investment climate ............................................................................. .37

4.3 Resource allocation guidelines ................................................................ 39

4.4 Conduct in resource allocation ................................................................ .40

4.5 Poverty alleviation .............................................................................. 41

4. 7 Observation of records in the district ........................................................ .43

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary ......................................................................................... 45

5.2 Conclusions ...................................................................................... 50

5.3 Recommendations ............................................................................... 52

5.4 Suggested Areas for further Research ........................................................ 53

REFERENCES ...................................................................................... 54

APPENDICES ............................................................................................ 60