Barriers to implementation of Uganda’s national industrial policy: A case study of the Steel Mills Industry

Abstract

This research is a descriptive study of Uganda’s national industrial policy implementation state. The study was conducted in the Steel mills industry with a major aim of assessing the process of implementing Uganda’s industrial policy and the challenges this process is facing to devise means for better policy implementation. Other objectives included; analysis of the policy making and implementation strategies for industrialisation, determining progress of implementation and impact of the policy in the Steel mills industry, determining challenges to implementing the National Industrial Policy (NIP), and then making recommendations for better industrial policy implementation in Uganda. The research involved interpretation of both qualitative and quantitative data collected from the policy makers, implementers, the Steel mills industry, and independent industrial experts/associations. The research found that the National Industrial Policy and its implementation strategy are competent and able to guide Uganda’s industrialisation if well followed. However, the key stakeholders expressed scepticism about whether they are being and/or shall be implemented. Some of the challenges facing Uganda’s industry should not be existing if the policy was being implemented. This indicates the little impact the policy is having in the manufacturing sector. The major challenges to policy implementation included the lack of a clear industrialisation strategy and lack of commitment to implement the NIP characterised by a poor implementation infrastructure with no National Council/Body to oversee implementation of the policy. The research concluded that though the policy might be good and a timely intervention, it still requires the government to fully commit to creating an environment that supports/facilitates implementation of the policy especially providing resources, legal support and the other supportive policies. The industry should also come together and form associations and other innovative solutions to solve their problems given government’s inefficiency. The government should, however, put in place a Statutory Council to oversee the entire implementation of the NIP.