Policy and institutional enablers of public–private partnerships in the electricity sector in Uganda: a multi-level and path dependence perspective

Abstract

PurposeThis paper explains the evident disproportionality in the levels of adoption of the modality of public–private partnerships (PPPs) in Uganda by tracing the peculiar preconditions and enablers of the model's relative high adoption in the electricity sector.Design/methodology/approachKey conceptual suggestions from historical institutionalism (HI), critical juncture and path dependence are used to orient the data collection and analysis. The direct experiences and perceptions of key informants involved in policy, regulation and operations in the electricity sector are thematically analyzed.FindingsThe primacy of specific policy, institutional decisions and actions sequentially undertaken at the international, national and sectorial levels in shaping the conceivability and possibility of PPP modality is foregrounded. In particular, international advisory for the changed role of the state and the government's subsequent decision to enact and reenact specific institutional frameworks at the national and sectorial levels created important disruptions to the status quo and paved a new and relatively stable institutional path conducive for private sector participation.Research limitations/implicationsTheoretically, the paper demonstrates the ability and power of HI to support the exploration and framing of multilevel and path-dependent explanations of institutional development and policy adoption. Practically, suggestions in terms of policy, legal and regulatory enablers for the adoption of PPP are made to shape practitioners' decision-makingPractical implicationsPractically, suggestions in terms of policy, legal and regulatory enablers for the adoption of PPP are made to shape practitioners' decision-making.Originality/valueThe importance of considering factor combinations and sequences in explaining the emergence, adoption and proliferation of public policy instruments and phenomena is underscored. In addition, the discourse on PPPs is moved beyond rationalization on how to even out their adoption (and subsequently the associated benefits) across sectors.

Community and public-private partnership projects in Uganda: community engagement, trust and performance

“…According to the literature, community participation in and support for PPPs is central for their success (Ndandiko, 2006; Onyoin and Bovis, 2021). Adeogun and Taiwo (2011) conducted a case study to gauge community participation in projects.…”

“…PPPs are also operating in garbage collection and parking to locals which makes the community feel ownership and involvement. As in most PPPs, the community is the end user of the products and revenue is expected from them, they need to be involved (Onyoin and Bovis, 2021).…”

Social Construction of Institutional Complementation in Cross Sector Collaborations: An Empirical Exploration of a Public Private Partnership Case

“…The genesis of the modality in Uganda can be traced to three prominent drivers including, the international proliferation of market driven ideals, of the 1980s and early 1990s, urging for more efficiency in the public sector (Bennell, 1997;Onyoin and Bovis, 2021), the increasing need for the complementation of the resources required for the investment in the economic and social infrastructure in the country (World Bank, 2017), the rampant inefficiencies in the public sector translating into failure to provide the much needed public services provide further rationalisation. These factors were and remain the central rationales PPP adoption as policy instrument in Uganda.…”

“…Most of them were divested through sale of assets, share sale, joint ventures and pre-emptive rights. Others were disposed through other approaches such as initial public offerings, concessions, auctions, debt equity swap and repossessions (Bennell, 1997;Onyoin and Bovis, 2021).…”

Governing Multi-Sectorial Partnerships in Emergencies: The Case of the Uganda COVID-19 Task Force

“…In the developed and developing world, a multi sectorial approach to pooling resources to address complex social problems through public and private sectors collaborative organization continues to take root (Brinkerhoff & Brinkerhoff, 2011; J. M. Bryson, Ackermann, & Eden, 2016;Pinkse & Kolk, 2012;Vangen et al, 2015). In a number of national jurisdictions, this collaborative working in now institutionalized through outright legislation and policy guidance and it is operationalized a cross different levels of governance and diverse policy areas (Onyoin & Bovis, 2020;Wilkins, Phillimore, & Gilchrist, 2017).…”