Effect of Supply Chain Management Functions on Operational Performance of the Uganda Police Force

Abstract

Security and economic development are closely intertwined, yet according to the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index (2025), only 18 of 143 countries achieved a score of 0.90 in Order and Security. Similarly, according to the Uganda Police Force (UPF) Annual Crime Reports (2018–2023), crime increased by 15%, crime clearance rates declined from 60.8% to 60.3%, and average emergency response time remained at 45 minutes compared to the global benchmark of 15 minutes. This study examined the effect of supply chain management functions on operational performance of the Uganda Police Force. Guided by the Resource-Based View theory, the study adopted a positivist philosophy and a quantitative approach using a correlational research design. The target population comprised 10,141 police officers from regional police headquarters and divisions within Uganda’s four major cities. A sample of 370 respondents was selected using stratified sampling, while a pilot study was conducted among 50 officers. The findings revealed that supply chain management functions significantly and positively influence operational performance (β = 0.712, p < 0.001; R² = 0.507). The study recommends integrated policy interventions, strategic investments in supply chain systems, and sustainable financing mechanisms to strengthen operational effectiveness and service delivery within the Uganda Police Force.