Impact of budgeting & allocation of resources on health service delivery in Rukungiri District Local Government. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64792/nrn0p657Abstract
Background.
Effective budgeting and equitable allocation of resources are essential for improving accessibility, quality, and responsiveness of health services in decentralized local governments. This study examined the impact of budgeting and allocation of resources on health service delivery in Rukungiri District Local Government, Uganda.
Methodology.
The study adopted a correlational and cross-sectional research design using a mixed methods approach. A sample of 155 respondents was selected from a target population of 260 using the Krejcie and Morgan sampling table. Data were collected using questionnaires, interview guides, and documentary review checklists. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically.
Results.
The findings revealed a high response rate of 90.3%. Male respondents constituted 51.4% while females accounted for 48.6%. Most respondents had between 6 and 10 years of work experience (31.4%) and possessed at least a diploma qualification. Results indicated weak budgeting and allocation practices characterized by inadequate funding, political interference, delays in budget approval, and limited stakeholder participation. Respondents also reported poor health service delivery reflected in shortages of medicines, inadequate staffing, poor infrastructure, long waiting times, and low patient satisfaction. Correlation analysis established a strong, positive, and significant relationship between budgeting and allocation of resources and health service delivery (r = 0.701, p < 0.01). Regression analysis further showed that budgeting and allocation significantly predicted health service delivery (β = 0.358, p < 0.001).
Conclusion.
The study indicated that weak budgeting and allocation practices negatively affect health service delivery in Rukungiri District Local Government.
Recommendation.
Health workers, facility in-charges, and DHMT members should be actively involved in budget formulation to improve alignment between allocated resources and actual service delivery needs.
References
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Copyright (c) 2026 Clara Aheebwa, Dr. Muhamad Ssendagi, Edmand Bakashaba (Author)
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