Comparative Cost-Effectiveness of Municipal Infrastructure Asset Management Systems in Uganda: A Quasi-Experimental Evaluation, 2000–2024

{ "background": "Municipal infrastructure asset management systems (MIAMS) are critical for sustainable development, yet their cost-effectiveness in resource-constrained settings is poorly understood. In Uganda, diverse systems have been implemented with varying designs, but rigorous comparative evidence on their economic efficiency is lacking.", "purpose and objectives": "This study aimed to evaluate the comparative cost-effectiveness of different MIAMS implemented across Ugandan municipalities. The primary objective was to quantify the incremental cost per unit of asset management outcome achieved by system type.", "methodology": "A quasi-experimental difference-in-differences design was employed, analysing longitudinal data from municipal engineering departments. The core statistical model was a fixed-effects regression: $Y{it} = \\beta0 + \\beta1 (Treati \\times Postt) + \\gamma X{it} + \\alphai + \\deltat + \\epsilon{it}$, where $Y{it}$ is the cost-effectiveness ratio. Inference was based on cluster-robust standard errors to account for municipal-level heterogeneity.", "findings": "Integrated, software-supported MIAMS demonstrated a 23% higher cost-effectiveness ratio compared to manual, siloed systems. The adjusted mean difference was significant at the 5% level, with a 95% confidence interval from 12% to 34%. The primary driver was reduced recurrent maintenance expenditure rather than lower initial capital outlay.", "conclusion": "The type of asset management system significantly influences its economic efficiency in a municipal context. Technologically integrated systems offer superior long-term value for money by optimising lifecycle costs.", "recommendations": "Municipal authorities should prioritise investment in integrated, digital MIAMS. National policy should establish minimum technical standards for system interoperability and support capacity building for lifecycle cost analysis.", "key words": "asset management, cost-benefit analysis, municipal engineering, infrastructure lifecycle, quasi-experiment, Sub-Saharan Africa", "contribution statement": "This study provides the first quasi-experimental evidence on the cost-effectiveness of different