Government Poverty Alleviation Programs and Poverty Reduction in Uganda: Evidence from Mbale District

This study investigates the effectiveness of government poverty alleviation programs on poverty reduction in Uganda, using evidence from Mbale District. It contributes to the literature by offering a context-specific, comparative empirical evaluation of five distinct initiatives: Entandikwa, the National Agricultural Advisory Services, Operation Wealth Creation, Emyooga, and the Parish Development Model. Adopting a case study design, the research utilized quantitative data from a representative sample of 309 beneficiaries and stakeholders, selected using a multi-stage process involving cluster, purposive, and simple random sampling. Data were collected via a validated structured questionnaire. To enhance causal inference, the analysis employed multiple regression, controlling for key socioeconomic covariates (age, education, and household size). The study found that while there is an overall average level of poverty reduction in the district, the effectiveness varies significantly. Descriptive statistics indicated that respondents perceived Parish Development Model and National Agricultural Advisory Services as the most effective. Correlation analysis confirmed positive and significant associations between participation and poverty reduction across four programs. The multiple regression analysis, controlling for covariates (Model R2 = 0.45, F = 31.2, p < 0.001), further confirmed that Parish Development Model (β = 0.412, p < 0.001) and National Agricultural Advisory Services (β = 0.288, p = 0.006) had the strongest, most significant positive effects. Conversely, the effects of Entandikwa and Emyooga were statistically non-significant, suggesting structural or design flaws. The findings are interpreted through the lenses of Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach and Participatory Development Theory, underscoring that programs rooted in local participation and decentralized implementation are superior mechanisms for poverty reduction. The study provides actionable insights for policymakers, recommending a significant emphasis on Parish Development Model's grassroots model.