Assessing the effectiveness of physical infrastructure development and management in the Uganda Police Force

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of physical infrastructure development and management in Uganda Police Force. The study was guided by three objectives, which included; assessing the current state and causes of poor performance of physical infrastructure, ascertaining the desired and appropriate level of physical infrastructure development and management, and Maintenance Management System (MMS) for effective use of the developed physical infrastructure. The study used descriptive and cross sectional research design. The study considered a sample size 75 respondents but only 65 respondents managed to respond back. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources while using questionnaires and interview guide. The study revealed that most of UPF’s physical infrastructure is permanent (constructed with concrete blocks, clay bricks and iron sheets) but their current state is still lacking. It was revealed that the main causative factors for the poor performance of physical infrastructure in UPF is poor maintenance culture, over loading the infrastructure, corruption and embezzlement of funds meant for renovating and developing new physical infrastructure. The study also revealed that most of physical infrastructure in UPF does not meet the desired infrastructure development and management standards. Furthermore, it was revealed that UPF has a maintenance management system. However, the system is not up to the standard. It’s composed of only policies and guidelines on how maintenance of physical infrastructure should be done. The result developed a maintenance management system which can be used by UPF. The study recommended that the Uganda Police Force should increase the budget of the Directorate of Logistics and Engineering to allow them renovate and develop new physical infrastructure. Authorities responsible for approving building plans and monitoring building standards like KCCA and MLHUD should make sure that physical infrastructure facilities put up by UPF meets the desired standards. Lastly, Uganda Police Force should employee experts and technocrats to help them develop the maintenance management system.