Perspectives on Corruption, and Addressing Its Effect on Service Delivery: The Case of Banda Parish in Nakawa West Constituency

Abstract

This study examined perspectives on corruption in Nakawa West Constituency, using Banda parish as the area of study. The objectives were: to identify the main causes of corruption in Banda-Nakawa West Constituency; to examine how corruption manifests in the delivery of services in Banda-Nakawa West Constituency; and to assess the consequences of corruption on service delivery in Banda-Nakawa West Constituency. A phenomenological research design with a qualitative approach was used. 30 participants were recruited purposively, and data collected until the point of saturation. The study revealed that corruption in Banda-Nakawa West Constituency is driven by personal greed, economic hardships, weak governance, and a decline in societal values. It is normalized in various sectors, making it an accepted part of life. This entrenched corruption is further perpetuated by institutional failures, lack of transparency, and weak leadership. The findings also revealed that corruption in Banda-Nakawa West is driven by a combination of weak institutional structures, economic pressures, cultural acceptance, and a lack of effective governance, transparency, and accountability. The findings further revealed that corruption was undermining the quality and accessibility of services, but also created an environment of inequality where access to services depends more on one's ability to pay than on fairness or need. Addressing this will require comprehensive reforms in the political, economic, and social systems of the constituency. The study proposed strategies to combat corruption including stern action against those involved in corruption, strengthening civil society, and promoting ethical behavior in public service.