ETHICS AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT: TOWARDS DEVELOPING STRATEGIES FOR COMBATING CORRUPTION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Description

The study sought to examine the influence of ethics in enhancing accountability in local governments with a view of developing strategies for combating corruption in the public sector. Taking the case of local governments in South-western Uganda comprising Kabale, Rubanda, Rukiga, Kisoro and Kanungu districts, the study was guided by four specific objectives: (i) to examine the ethical dilemmas that affect accountability in local governments; (ii) to examine the effectiveness of the institutional frameworks established by the government to enhance accountability in local governments; (iii) to establish the role of citizens in enhancing ethics and accountability in public service delivery; and (iv) to explore the strategies that can help promote sound ethical values so as to strengthen accountability mechanisms in local governments. The study adopted both quantitative and qualitative research approach with the aid of a descriptive design. Four categories of study population participated in the study: local government technical staff (251); district councillors (65); members of the public/ opinion leaders (263) who answered a questionnaire; and 41 participants including LCV Chairpersons and their deputies, District Speakers and their deputies, Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), Chief Finance Officers (CFOs), and Heads of Department (HODs) who were interviewed with the aid of an interview guide. Study findings indicated that although accountability in the local governments was moderately okay; councillors did not update the electorate on what they discuss in Council; did not account for resources given to them; and they did not fulfil promises made to the electorate during campaigns. From the technical staff, findings pinned them for delivering services without consideration for VFM; failure to give accurate and timely financial information and; above all, they (technical staff) did not understand the needs of the people. A number of ethical dilemmas such as personal decisions, administrative secrecy, favouritism, nepotism, political interference and high cost of living were found to greatly hinder accountability. In addition, a number of institutional frameworks were found to be effective in enforcing accountability save for office of CID-Police and the IGG. The role of citizens in fighting graft was limited by their inability to demand for accountability and the failure of government to involve them in fighting corruption. The study recommends that for accountability to be enhanced, there was need for citizen empowerment; instil morals in society; and to reduce the many institutions involved in fighting corruption in the public sector.