Donor Influence and the Effectiveness of Road Construction in Uganda: A Case Study of Kampala Northern Bypass

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to examine the donor influence on the effectiveness of road construction in Uganda guided by a new agenda to enhance management of effectiveness of aid. This agenda contained in the Paris declaration on aid effectiveness, articulates that a series of tenets were agreed upon and reflected by the principles of ownership, alignment, harmonization, managing for results and mutual accountability. This research aimed at achieving the following specific objectives; to examine the level of influence of donors through application of the Paris declaration tenets on the effectiveness of road construction projects, to find out challenges faced by donor-funded projects in Uganda, and to suggest appropriate strategies for effective management of donor funded projects. The study examined the application of the Paris declaration principles on the Kampala Northern Bypass and how they contribute to the ultimate goals of the project.

This research used descriptive and analytical research design and data were analyzed quantitatively using statistical methods. A total of 68 respondents was considered for the study and was determined by using Krejcie and Morgan (1970) approach for sample size determination. The respondents were selected using Purposive sampling and the unit of the technique was chosen because it’s the people with a good of knowledge and skill on donor funded projects. Primary Data was collected by a questionnaire and secondary data was obtained from reports of line Ministries and their agencies. The reports reviewed include the Auditor General’s reports and Public Procurement and Disposal Act and management reports and development performance reports. Quantitative data was analyzed in SPSS and resulted reported in percentages and ratios.

The findings revealed that effectiveness was achieved through scope and risk minimization. However, talent development is lacking in the donor funded projects which limits the achievement of effectiveness through human resource development. Most challenges faced by road construction projects in Uganda include bad weather, little compensation, delayed payments. Other challenges reported were and low wages paid to local workers, which demotivates them and undermines their productivity. To improve the r effective management of donor funded projects in Uganda, assessment and land Compensations should be planned and made in time, Provision of mobile shelter like tents, Capacity building, increase in minimum wages for local workers, need to create community awareness, and need for modern technology are important to achieve effective management of donor funded, projects.