The relationship between decentralized oversight and quality of public primary education in Nakasongola District. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/hgf1sp34Keywords:
Decentralization, Oversight, Accountability, Primary education, Educational quality, Nakasongola DistrictAbstract
Background
Decentralized oversight refers to the delegation of supervision, inspection, and accountability functions from central authorities to district and sub-county levels. This study investigates the relationship between decentralized oversight and the quality of public primary education in Nakasongola District, Uganda.
Methodology
A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected from 120 respondents, including teachers and education administrators, using structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Documentary review of school inspection reports, district education records, and School Management Committee (SMC) minutes complemented the primary data. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed.
Results
The majority of respondents were male (60%) and aged between 31-40 years (45%). Descriptive statistics revealed that the level of decentralized oversight was low, with an overall mean score of 2.4 (SD = 0.99). Among the dimensions, administrative oversight scored a mean of 2.6 (SD = 0.88), supervisory oversight 2.3 (SD = 0.94), and accountability oversight 2.2 (SD = 0.91), suggesting inadequate monitoring, feedback, and local decision-making. The perceived quality of public primary education was also rated low, with a mean of 2.5 (SD = 0.97). Correlation analysis indicated a positive and significant relationship between decentralized oversight and the quality of education (r = 0.514, p = 0.002). Regression analysis confirmed that decentralized oversight significantly predicts improvements in educational quality (β = 0.231, p = 0.002), explaining 61% of the variance in quality indicators.
Conclusion
The study established that weak implementation of decentralized oversight mechanisms undermines the quality of public primary education.
Recommendation
There is a need to strengthen district inspection capacity, increase budgetary allocations for supervision, empower SMCs, and enhance community participation to ensure greater accountability and improved learning outcomes.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Fred Kempaka, Dr. Muhammad Ssendagi, Dr.Salongo Katerega. (Author)
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