Good Governance, Public Policy and Capacity Building in Uganda. 1986-2006.

Abstract 

This research paper debates issues experienced in implementing public policies, the role of good governance and capacity building in Uganda. The paper highlights the complexity and messiness of real world in policy-making and implementation in which institutions are influenced by, among other factors, their beliefs and values, the practices and power of other actors, their networks with other actors, and the political space for debate and negotiation in specific context. Good governance is a controversial issue meaning different thing to different people moreover it is inseparable with public policy making, implementation and the system of governance. The study critically examined the history of governance in Uganda while drawing information from different literature by different scholars and then came to a conclusion that the system of governance in a country directly affects the way policies are made, implemented and the extent at which elements of good governance are incorporated in the public policy processes. Secondary information was used as a basis of analysis which showed that governments institutions and international agencies play a vital role in the public policy affair however they cannot simply make policy implementation work better through the exercise of their own power alone, a collective effort is needed right from the onset of policy formulation up to policy implementation stage. They need to develop capabilities in managerial skills that allow for the appropriate framework and set a stage for institutional reform. This is the political will required to bridge the 'know do' gap, support effective decision-making through participation, transparency, democracy and responsiveness to sustain policy implementation.

The paper emphasizes that implementation represents a policy action relationship that 'needs to be regarded as a process of interaction and negotiation, taking place over time, between those seeking to put policy into effect and those upon whom action depends 'and the beneficiaries. The paper further highlights the need to strengthen capacity building at all levels of the policy process and also emphasizes the need for institutional reform. The paper suggests a way forward in which it presents better mechanisms to be considered while implementing public policies and gives alternative perspective on best practices that takes fuller account of the ways in which the exercise of good governance shapes implementation experiences. Then finally the study draws conclusions, summaries and recommendations. All in all this study illustrate that the complex task of managing implementation requires deliberate action to build support for policies among those responsible for their implementation and suggests that interventions are generally seen as resulting from the weak institutions, lack of political will and the failure to hold government accountable for their actions

Table of Contents

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

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

Aclmowledgement. ............................................................................ .iii

Tab le of contents ............................................................................... .iv

List of figures .................................................................................... vi

List ofacroymes ............................................................................... vii

Abstract.. ....................................................................................... viii

Chapter one

I. I Background to the study .................................................................... I

1.2 Statement of the problem ................................................................... 2

1.3 objectives ..................................................................................... 4

1.4 Hypothesis ................................................................................... .4

1.5 Significance of the study ................................................................... .4

1.6 Scope and Nature of the study ............................................................ 5

1.7 Methodology ................................................................................ 6

1.8 Structure of the paper. ....................................................................... 6

1.9 Ethical considerations ........................................................................ 7

Chapter two

History of governance and good governance in Uganda

2.0 introduction .................................................................................. 8

2.1 History ........................................................................................ 8

Chapter three

A conceptual analysis of good governance and public policy in Uganda.

3.1 Introduction ................................................................................. 23

3.2 Governance ................................................................................. 24

3.3 Good governance ........................................................................... 26

3.4 Actors ofgoodgovernance ............................................................... 27

3.5 Characteristics of good governance ....................................................... 29

Consensus Oriented .................................................................... 30

Equity & Inclusiveness .................................................................... 30

Effectiveness & Efficiency .............................................................. 30

Accountability ................................................................................. .30

Participation ..................................................................................... 31

Rule of Law .................................................................................... .31

Transparency .................................................................................... 31

Responsiveness ................................................................................. 32

3.6 Good governance and public policy in Uganda ........................................ 32

3. 7 Relationship between public policy and good governance .......................... .40

3. 7.1 How good governance effects policy implementation .................... .40

3.8 Instruments and policies .................................................................. .45

Chapter Four

Institutions and their role in public policy implementation

4.0 Introduction ................................................................................. 49

4.1 Government institutions .................................................................. .49

4.2 Donor institutions .......................................................................... .51

4.3 Civil society ................................................................................. 53

4.4 civil service .................................................................................. 55

4.5 Media ........................................................................................ 56

4.6 Private sector ............................................................................... .58

4. 7 Private Public Pattemship ................................................................ .59

4. 8 Justice Law & Order. ...................................................................... 5 9

4.9 Security ...................................................................................... 61

4.10 Decentralization ........................................................................... 62

Chapter Five

Capacity Building

5.0 Introduction .............................................................................. 64

5.1 Aims ofcapacitybuilding ............................................................... 65

5.2 Key elements of capacity building ..................................................... 66

5.3 Good governance & institutional reforms ............................................ 70

Chapter Six

The way forward

6.0 Introduction .............................................................................. 74

6.1 Delivery Mechanisms for Public Policy ................................................ 74

6.1 Summaries .............................................................................. 86

6.2 Conclusions .............................................................................. 87