An Assessment of Rural Road Networks Management in Uganda as a Driver of Economic Development A Case Study of Kabarole District

摘要

Rural roads form the largest part of the road network and the main form of access to the rural communities. The poor state of rural road networks not only affects transport of goods and services but also the economic growth. This study sought to assess rural road network management as a driver of economic development using Kabarole District as a case study. A mixed design method was used where qualitative and quantitative data was collected by use of interviews and questionnaire. The population composed political and technical staff involved in rural road management which was represented by a sample size of 95 people. Findings established that the roads in the study area are passable although they quickly deteriorate due to lack of maintenance and heavy rains. The report indicates that high construction costs (μ=4.22), delayed releases (μ=3.91), insufficient funding (μ=3.79), bad weather (μ=4.0) and inadequate equipment (μ=3.56) are the major factors affecting effective rural road management. A methodology was developed considering roads as capital investment where maintenance will be valued above new construction. The study recommends an effective maintenance culture, introduction of public private partnerships in the road maintenance works and encouragement of public participation in the provision of basic facilities through various community self-help developments to reduce dependence on central government. If equal attention was paid to the development and maintenance of the rural roads in Uganda there would be sufficient, safe and reliable physical access to social services; reduced travel time that would be used for wealth creation.