Comparative analysis of force account mechanism and contracting in implementation of road projects in central Uganda

Abstract

A well-maintained road network is critical to the transformation of a country’s economic development. This study compared the unit costs for implementing road improvements in Uganda using the force account mechanism versus contracting. Both quantitative and qualitative research designs were used in the study. The use of questionnaires with closed-ended questions helped collect quantitative data, and interview guides helped collect qualitative data. Stata (V13) was used to analyze the primary data that were gathered from the field, while Excel spreadsheets were used to analyze the secondary data. The findings on the influences for effective implementation of force account mechanism on implementation of road projects found that the cost per unit of the road was the most important, followed by employee skills, the availability of road equipment, and human resource costs. The study also found that the biggest barriers to the effective implementation of FAM were a lack of equipment, accountability for funds, and insufficient funding for road upgrades. The findings further, on comparison of the Unit cost for FAM and Contracting revealed that the unit cost incurred under contracting was five times higher than that incurred under force account mechanism. While on the strategies, the most significant strategy was adherence to public procurement laws followed by establishment of a supervision committee. In conclusion, FAM has saved the implementation costs of road projects in local governments though it still faces challenges most especially funding and equipment that the government has to solve. The study recommends that the government doubles the funding for implementation, buy enough equipment for districts, outfit the areas without workshops, evaluate the procedures for routine manual maintenance, conduct personnel training, and raise worker pay.