Assessing the effectiveness of inspectorate of government oversight role in enhancing local government service delivery: A case study of Arua municipality

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of Inspectorate of Government’s oversight role in enhancing local government service delivery: a case study of Arua Municipality. The study was premised on the following research objectives: to examine the oversight mandate of the Inspectorate of Government in Arua Municipality, to assess the levels of enforcement of the Inspectorate of Government’s oversight mandate in Arua Municipality; and to assess the specific ways in which the enforcement of the Inspectorate of Government’s mandate has been effective in enhancing service delivery in Arua municipality. The study adopted a cross sectional survey design where both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used. In this study, a total number of 92 respondents were expected but 80 respondents returned the survey instruments representing a response rate of 86.9%. The data was collected using questionnaires and interviews and analysis was done using regression analysis. Qualitative analysis was done using content and thematic analysis. Findings revealed that there is a positive significant relationship between the oversight mandate of the Inspectorate of Government and service delivery in Arua Municipality. Findings revealed a positive significant relationship between levels of enforcement of the Inspectorate of Government oversight mandate and service delivery in Arua Municipality. A positive significant relationship between the enforcement of the Inspectorate of Government mandate and service delivery in Arua Municipality was also revealed. It was established that a number of workshops organized by the IGG’s office have been held on the above subject of office abuse sponsored by different agencies. It was observed that there is unfairness because the suspects buy justice like bail using stolen money. Findings revealed that recovery of stolen funds/assets has not been helpful in the fight against abuse of public office in Arua district. IGG does not make follow up on the declared wealth/assets. It was recommended that: IGG Workshops should be at the community level and should be supplemented by the use of posters, banners. The IGG institution should exercise their mandate on evidence based scenarios other than relying on rumors. The IGG office should be empowered with the “teeth to bite” during the process of implementing the projects other than coming for investigation after the funds have already been misappropriated. The IGG need to work together with local government and other oversight institutions. The IGG office should be represented at the sub county level for effective reporting of cases of office abuse.