Impact of decentralisation on service delivery to primary schools: a case study of Iganga District

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of decentralization on service delivery in primary schools in Iganga district vis-à-vis the ethical theory of utilitarianism and the principle of subsidiarity. The study aimed at finding out the extent to which decetralisation has improved education service delivery in terms of infrastructure and instructional materials, enhanced management of human and financial resources, and improved on general administration and management of primary schools. The researcher used descriptive cross sectional survey research design, integrating quantitative and qualitative methods in gathering, tabulating and analysis of the data. The study was conducted in four counties and nine sub-counties of the district. The findings reveal that decentralization has been effective in the provision of infrastructure and instructional materials, for majority happiness, there by fulfilling the principle of utilitarianism. However, the policy was found inadequate in the provision of staff accommodation, renovation and maintenance of infrastructure and provision of co-curricular equipment. The study concluded that the policy of decentralization has resulted into the increase of infrastructure, improved access to basic education, ensured good financial management and has improved the general administration and management of schools. However, the policy was found inadequate in maintenance and renovation of infrastructure, provision of co-curricular equipment as well as provision of staff accommodation. The study recommends for as much government intervention as necessary in service delivery, but also the local councils, civil society organizations and parents to play their role emphasized in the ethical principle of subsidiarity.