Examining the incentives and motivations for research-based legislation in Uganda

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to discuss the factors that would increase or decrease the prospects to use research evidence in legislation in a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used to identify the gaps in ability to utilise research evidence among policymakers. A combination of expert analysis of five policy brief formats, 13 self-administered semi-structured interviews with policymakers, focus group discussion and literature analysis informed data collection.

Findings

The incentives and motivations for research-based legislation are classified into three categories: those that concern legislators and researchers, those that concern legislators only and those that concern researchers only.

Originality/value

The work discusses the need for policymakers to make decisions based on facts. The findings are a reflection of a long interaction the author had with policymakers and researchers in Uganda.

Citation

Lugya, F.K. (2014), "Examining the incentives and motivations for research-based legislation in Uganda", Library Review, Vol. 63 No. 1/2, pp. 60-85. https://doi.org/10.1108/LR-09-2013-0121