Decentralization Policy and Performance of Universal Primary Education in Uganda

Abstract

This study assessed the correlation between decentralisation policy implementation and Universal Primary Education (UPE) performance in Uganda. It was guided by the objective of assessing the relationship between political decentralisation and Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) performance in Katerera County in Rubirizi district, in Uganda. The study adopted a descriptive research design with quantitative and qualitative approaches. A sample of 139 respondents were selected using Slovene’s formula. Data was collected using questionnaire and interview guide and analyzed using frequencies, percentages, Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis for quantitative data and thematic analysis was used for analyzing qualitative data. The study findings established a significant relationship between political decentralisation and PLE performance of UPE schools in Katerera County and a unit increase in political decentralisation affects the PLE performance of UPE schools in Katerera County by 17%. The study concluded that decentralisation policy implementation contributes 61% to the PLE performance of UPE schools in Katerera County; Rubirizi District. From the study findings, the researcher recommended that central government should put much efforts in implementing decentralisation policy since it was found to have a significant relationship with performance of UPE schools, reduce bureaucracies for releasing money for buying scholastic materials, encourage parents to give financial support to their respective schools and increasing funding for local governments especially in the education sector.