Evaluation of Factors Influencing Performance of Building Construction Projects in Uganda: A Case Study of Masaka City

Abstract

The construction industry has gained rapid growth for the past decade due to population growth resulting in housing and infrastructure demand. In Uganda, over twelve percent (12%) of the gross domestic product (GDP) is contributed by the building construction sector and is of great significance in the current economy. Despite this contribution to the sector, building construction fails due to performance issues as previously conducted studies have indicated and there are various reasons and factors which contribute to these performance issues. Therefore, there is a need to have a deeper understanding of the major factors attributing to this trend for better performance improvement. This study aimed to establish strategies to improve the performance of building construction projects in Uganda cities, a case study of Masaka city. The study employed a survey research design and targeted a population of 420 participants from which a sample of 201 respondents was selected. Data were collected using a questionnaireand interview guide. SPSS version 21 and Excel were used in data analysis. The following factors were established; cost factors, health and safety factors, time factors, quality factors productivity factors, project stakeholders’ factors, environmental factors and resource factors. The regression analysis conducted confirmed time factors, quality factors and cost factors to have evidence of a significant impact on the performance of building construction projects in Masaka city. A framework for improving the performance of building construction projects was developed based on factors with significant impact. These findings highlight the need to prioritize these factors with significant impact when evaluating and managing building construction projects in Masaka City.