Examining the application of Local Governments (rating) Act 2005, in urban local governments of Uganda: A case of Entebbe Municipal Council

Abstract

The study was conducted to examine the application of the Local Governments (Rating) ACT, 2005 in Urban Local Governments of Uganda, taking a case of Entebbe Municipal Council. The specific objectives were; to investigate the level of application of the Local Governments (Rating) ACT, 2005 in Entebbe Municipal Council, to examine the factors affecting the application of the Local Governments (Rating) ACT, 2005 in Entebbe Municipal Council, and to develop strategies to address the challenges of applying the Local Governments (Rating) ACT, 2005 in Entebbe Municipal Council. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were adopted for matter of triangulation. The study adopted a cross sectional survey design. Both probability and non-probability sampling strategies were applied. Overall identification of sample was done using purposive sampling and selection of respondents per particular category was done using census. The questionnaire was the main study instrument. It was complimented by the interview guide, focus group discussion guide, checklists, documents review and observation schedule. The validity of instruments was ascertained using content and construct validity. Reliability of study instruments was established using Cronbach‟s coefficient Alpha. Qualitative data was analyzed manually while quantitative data using SPSS version 20. The study findings revealed that Entebbe Municipal Council did not apply the local governments (rating) ACT, 2005 to its full potential. This was mainly due to inadequate finances, ignorance of the law, absence of a property information system, poor record management. Corruption, contradicting laws and politics. It was recommended that; Entebbe Municipal Council should optimum utilize the twenty five percent of property rates in the Financial Year- Administrative costs to address issue of inadequate finances and should train staff in records management. The Town Clerk should disseminate and interpret the local governments (rating) ACT, 2005 to all responsible officers in the Municipality.