Financial internal control mechanism, regulatory authority and financial management in local government in Uganda : a case of Bukedea district.
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Date
2026
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Busitema University
Abstract
The study examined the relationship between financial internal control mechanisms, regulatory authority, and financial management in Bukedea District Local Government. It was guided by four key objectives: (1) to assess the relationship between financial internal control mechanisms and financial management, (2) to examine the relationship between financial internal control mechanisms and regulatory authority, (3) to evaluate the relationship between regulatory authority and financial management, and (4) to determine the mediating role of regulatory authority in the relationship between financial internal control mechanisms and financial management. A sample 78 respondents was considered, and the study employed a cross-sectional quantitative design with 108 distributed questionnaires, yielding a response rate of 72.2%. primary data was collected using close-ended questionnaire, and analysis was conducted using SPSS software (20.0). The findings revealed statistically significant and moderate correlations among the three variables. Specifically, financial internal control mechanisms showed a statistically significant relationship with financial management (r = 0.349; p < 0.01); accounting for approximately 12.2% of the variance in financial management outcomes. Also, financial internal control mechanisms showed a statistically significant relationship with regulatory authority (r = 0.369; p< 0.01); accounting for approximately 13.6% of the variance in regulatory oversight outcomes. Regulatory authority showed a statistically significant relationship with financial management (r = 0.490, p < 0.01), accounting for approximately 24% of the variance in financial management outcomes. Regulatory authority was found to partially mediate the relationship between financial internal control mechanisms and financial management, as indicated by the mediation model results (indirect effect = 0.130, direct effect = 0.177, total effect = 0.317). The study concludes that financial management in local government is significantly influenced by both internal control systems and the effectiveness of regulatory authority. To promote long-term financial accountability and transparency, the study recommends strengthening internal control mechanisms and enhancing the institutional capacity of regulatory bodies. Furthermore, Bukedea District Local Government should prioritize the development of professional regulatory frameworks that foster a culture of integrity, compliance, and proactive financial monitoring.
Keywords: financial monitoring, financial internal control, control mechanisms, regulatory authority, financial management, Bukedea district
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Citation
Chemeri, J. (2026). Financial internal control mechanism, regulatory authority and financial management in local government in Uganda : a case of Bukedea district. [Unpublished dissertation]. Busitema University.