POWER, POLITICS, AND THEORIES OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS IN UGANDA: A CRITICAL INQUIRY

Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) in Uganda exhibit a complicated paradox, marked by a formal dedication to decentralisation but enduring centralising inclinations. This study undertakes a critical examination of the power and political factors influencing intergovernmental relations in Uganda, transcending a just institutional perspective. This study employs a multi-theoretical framework that combines principal-agent theory, fiscal federalism, and critical political economy to analyse the relationship between formal institutions and informal power dynamics. Our analysis indicates that although decentralisation has established new opportunities for local governance, these are frequently compromised by resource dependency, political patronage, and the purposeful manipulation of administrative regulations by central authorities. We contend that comprehending Ugandan intergovernmental relations necessitates a sophisticated understanding of how informal political practices and power dynamics perpetually reshape the limits of subnational sovereignty. This research enhances the existing literature by illustrating the shortcomings of traditional IGR theories in addressing the intricacies of a developing country environment and underscores the importance of integrating a comprehensive understanding of power and politics to elucidate governance outcomes.