Good governance, public policy and capacity building in Uganda. 1986-2006. a critical study
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Date
2006-10
Authors
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Publisher
Kampala International University.College Of Humanities and social science
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 histmy 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.
Secondaiy 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 fo1mulation 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.
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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.
Description
Thesis submitted as a partial requirement for the award of masters in Development Administration & Management of Kampala International University.
Keywords
Good governance, Public policy, Capacity building, Uganda