Challenges of Primary School Education Service Delivery under Decentralisation System of Governance in Rural Areas: A Case Study of Masuliita Sub-County, Wakiso District.

Abstract

LUUTU PAUL PATRICK (2008-M092-20068)

Challenges of Primary School Education Service Delivery under Decentralisation System of Governance in Rural Areas: A Case Study of Masuliita Sub-County, Wakiso District

The study investigated the challenges of primary school education service delivery under decentralisation system of governance in rural areas taking a case study of Masuliita sub-county, Wakiso district. The specific objectives of the study were: to establish the relationship between teacher management and the quality of decentralised primary education in Masuliita sub-county; to examine the extent to which political influence affected the quality of decentralised primary education in Masuliita sub County; to establish the relationship between the performance of decentralised school management bodies‟ roles and the quality of decentralised primary education in Masuliita sub- county. The study found a significant relationship between teacher management and quality of decentralised primary education (r = 0.278** and p = 0.000) while political influence did not have a significant influence on quality of decentralised primary education (Adjusted R2 = 0.024 beta -0.195, t = -1.639, and significance = 0.106) but decentralised school management bodies‟ role performance had a significant relationship with quality of decentralised primary education (r = 0.566** and p = 0.000). The study concluded that teacher management systems was a significant challenge to education service delivery in rural schools shown in failure to have adequate staffing levels, teacher training and development, teacher motivation and performance management systems which lead to poor quality of education. Political influence did not have a statistically significant influence on the quality of decentralised primary education. Performance of decentralised school management bodies‟ roles had a significant challenge on primary school service delivery shown by the failure to enact enabling bi-laws, mobilise resources, develop strategic and operational plans, monitor performance and take corrective action. The study recommended that the district and lower local authorities together with the relevant stakeholders should ensure that there is adequate staffing, teacher training and development, teacher motivation and performance appraisals in all primary schools in rural areas if quality education is to be achieved. It was also recommended that the local politicians should actively get involved in the delivery of decentralised education services. The study also recommended that decentralised school management bodies of the school management committees, local councils and district authorities should take up and perform their roles diligently for improved quality of education. The study suggested identification of strategies for effective decentralisation of education services delivery. Key words: Education, Primary, Decentralisation, Decentralization, Rural