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Item Open Access Stakeholder Participation and the Effective Management of Urban Central Markets in Uganda: A Case of Kabale and Mbarara Central Markets(Kabale University, 2025) Ninsiima, NarisThis study critically examined the extent and efficacy of stakeholder participation in the management of formal urban public markets in Uganda, with the objective of identifying strategies to enhance participatory governance for improved market administration. Despite the Government of Uganda’s ongoing investments in urban market infrastructure - aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 on sustainable cities and communities and Uganda’s Third National Development Plan (NDP III) priorities on urbanization - public markets have increasingly become sites of tension and conflict. These disputes stem largely from ineffective governance frameworks, insufficient stakeholder inclusion, and administrative deficiencies at both local government and vendor-group levels. Drawing upon Arnstein’s Ladder of Citizen Participation as a theoretical lens, this research interrogates the nature of vendor engagement in decision-making processes. The study was guided by four core objectives: (i) to identify major avenues for stakeholder engagement; (ii) to assess the level of participation in planning; (iii) to evaluate stakeholder involvement in policy implementation; and (iv) to analyse participation in management-level decision-making. A pragmatic research paradigm informed the study’s mixed-methods design, integrating quantitative data from structured questionnaires administered to vendors (n=586) and qualitative insights from in-depth interviews with market authorities and vendor leaders (n=9). Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Ethical approval was secured from the Kabale University Research Ethics Committee and the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology. Key ethical principles - including informed consent, confidentiality, and data security - were rigorously observed. Findings reveal that stakeholder participation remains superficial and largely symbolic, characterised by tokenism rather than genuine empowerment. Vendors are seldom granted meaningful influence over policy formulation or management decisions, and existing consultative mechanisms - such as focus groups and workshops - are inconsistently applied and lack enforceability. Furthermore, the absence of capacity-building initiatives, particularly in financial literacy, governance, and leadership, significantly impairs vendors’ ability to engage effectively in market governance. In response, the study proposes a Stakeholder-Centred Governance Model, grounded in four foundational principles: capacity building, integrated policy frameworks, comprehensive communication strategies, and feedback mechanisms. The model seeks to institutionalise participatory structures that reinforce transparency, accountability, and equity in urban market management. This research contributes substantively to the discourse on participatory urban governance by offering empirically grounded insights and actionable frameworks for policymakers, scholars, and development practitioners seeking to foster inclusive, efficient, and sustainable public market systems in Sub-Saharan African cities.Item Open Access Success Factors and the Adoption of E-Government in Jinja District Local Government, Uganda(Kabale University, 2025) Mugavu, GeorgeThe Purpose of this study was to examine the success factors influencing the adoption of e-government in Jinja District Local Government, Uganda. The research sought to identify the roles of political, financial, institutional, and technological factors in facilitating e-government adoption. Interms of methodology the study was purely guided by two research designs that was to say the cross-sectional research design and the casestudy research design. The study adopted a pragmatic research philosophy integrating both deductive and inductive approaches. A mixed-methods framework combining cross-sectional survey and case study designs was employed. Data were collected from a sample of 200 respondents using structured questionnaires and interview guides, achieving an 89% response rate. Data Analysis: Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. Findings revealed that e-government adoption is significantly associated with political will (r=.254, p<0.001), budgetary allocation (r=.337, p<0.001), enabling environment (r=.177, p<0.023), citizen motivation (r=.213, p<0.005), and public sector reforms (r=.210, p<0.005). Training-related factors, including software (r=.694, p<0.001), hardware (r=.679, p<0.001), and data security training (r=.553, p<0.0001), also demonstrated strong positive associations. Furthermore, technological infrastructure such as network availability (r=.665, p<0.000), video conferencing (r=.562, p<0.000), and reliable energy supply (r=.655, p<0.000) significantly influenced adoption. Thematic findings underscored the critical role of continuous employee training, budgetary commitment, and reliable ICT infrastructure in the success of e-government initiatives. Limitations of the Study: The study was limited to one district, which may constrain the generalizability of findings across other regions of Uganda. Additionally, reliance on self-reported data may have introduced response bias. Research Contributions: The study contributes empirical evidence on the determinants of e-government adoption in local government contexts of developing countries. It provides practical insights for policymakers and administrators to enhance ICT capacity, institutional readiness, and infrastructure for improved service delivery.Item Open Access Participatory Budgeting and Financial Sustainability in the Local Governments in Uganda: A Case Study of Kabale District Local Government(Kabale University, 2025) Tugumisirize, WinfredThis study examined the effect of participatory budgeting on financial sustainability in Kabale District Local Government, Uganda. The research objectives were to examine the influence of budget formulation on financial sustainability, analyze the effect of budget approval on financial sustainability, assess the influence of budget implementation on financial sustainability, and ascertain the effect of participatory budgeting onfinancial stability when mediated by government policies. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design using Kabale Districtas a case study. A population of 3600 was targeted from which a samplesize of 360 respondents was selected using purposivesampling and conveniencesampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis. The study found a significant positive relationship betweenparticipatory budgeting practicesand financial sustainability. The studyfurther found that budget formulation plays a critical role in enhancing financial sustainability. Budget formulation and implementation had the strongest influence on financial sustainability. Genderhad no significant moderating effect onthe relationship between participatory budgeting and financial sustainability. The study concluded that participatory budgeting enhances financial sustainability in local governments. The study recommends strengthening citizen engagement in all budget phases, enhancing transparency in budget processes, and gender exclusivity to support participatory budgeting initiatives for improved financial sustainability in local governments.Item Open Access Management Practices and Financial Performance of Church of Uganda-Founded Private Secondary Schools in Greater Ankole Dioceses(Kabale University, 2025) Mwebembezi, Atheria.KFor so many years, Church of Uganda has missed hitting her set targets of revenue generation to fund her budgetary expenditure of her established private secondary schools characterized by too much reliance on parent’s contribution in form of tuition fees and external donations. Evaluating the variables influencing management practices and financial performance was the study's main goal. Therefore, the Thesis investigated management practices and financial performance of Church of Uganda-founded private secondary schools in the Greater Ankole Dioceses. To make education a profitable enterprise and contributor to social development, it requires that schools infuse values into management capabilities if they are to keep in operation financially. This research used Greater Ankole Dioceses as the case study to conduct a mixed inquiry grounded in Resource-Based View, Incremental Budgeting, and Systems Management theories. The study employed a post positivist philosophical orientation and a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather data from 365 respondents that was quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed through second generation methods of structural equation modelling and thematic analysis respectively. The findings reveal that effective financial management practices, leadership styles, and staffing competencies significantly influence the financial performance of these Church of Uganda private founded secondary schools. Key practices such as strategic financial planning, resource mobilization, and participative leadership were identified as critical drivers of improved financial performance. However, the study also highlights barriers such as limited financial literacy among administrators, inadequate internal controls, and the absence of innovative funding mechanisms. Church structures, serving as a moderating variable, were found to play a pivotal role in enhancing transparency, governance, and long-term financial planning. The study concludes that adaptive management strategies tailored to the unique context of Church of Uganda private founded secondary schools are essential for improving financial performance. Recommendations include capacity-building programs for school administrators, the adoption of participative leadership models, and the development of diversified funding streams through community engagement and partnerships. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, church leadership, and educational stakeholders, offering a roadmap for fostering financial resilience and ensuring the sustainability of church of Uganda private founded secondary schools.Item Open Access Financial Management Practices and Performance of Private Universities in Uganda.(Kabale University, 2025) Habassa, Ivan AkatwijukaThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of financial management practices on the performance of private universities in Uganda. It sought to unravel the hidden mysteries of how these practices shape the financial destiny of these institutions. This study introduces an interesting contemporary development in the evaluation of university performance, placing greater emphasis on the quality of education and the financial sustainability of private universities, with financial management practices acting as the predictor variable. Efforts were made to assess whether internationally accepted financial accounting and management practices, such as financial accountability, budgeting, internal financial controls, and working capital management, have enhanced the resource base of private universities, thereby ensuring better performance in terms of guaranteeing financial sustainability and education quality. This includes the provision of modern learning infrastructure, the employment of qualified and competent staff, and the promotion of research leading to cutting-edge innovations. To achieve the research objective, the study draws on the interdisciplinary theories of Agency and Stakeholders as its theoretical foundations. The study adopts a post-positivist approach, which advocates for an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach. This approach employs a descriptive, analytical, and cross-sectional research design. The study surveyed a population of 280, with a sample of 162 respondents providing the quantitative data, while 16 key informants participated in the qualitative survey. Quantitative data was gathered using a questionnaire survey method, while semi-structured interviews were employed to collect qualitative data. The research team analyzed the quantitative data using structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine and validate the developed research model. SEM was also used to evaluate and refine the model's causal and effect aspects. The qualitative data underwent theory-driven content analysis. The findings from the study's quantitative and qualitative strands were triangulated during the discussion stage. The study's findings revealed that effective financial management practices impact the performance of private universities by 57%. Specifically, financial accountability had a positive and statistically significant effect on performance (β = 0.411, P<0.01), while financial controls also had a positive and significant effect on university performance (β = 0.130, p < .01). Working capital management showed a positive and significant effect on university performance (β = 0.407, P < 0.05). Budgeting, however, had a positive but statistically insignificant effect on university performance (β = 0.006, p > 0.01). Nonetheless, some private universities did not effectively implement financial management practices, which contributed to the persistence of poor performance in these institutions in Uganda. The study recommends that universities establish governance structures that promote collaboration between institutional leaders and proprietors and develop key performance indicators that link both financial management practices and overall university performance. Private universities should also explore opportunities for networking and strategic partnerships with other universities and agencies, particularly for research and projects, rather than competing and duplicating efforts, which depletes their resources. The thesis contributes to theory by developing a Habaasa model for evaluating the performance of private universities in UgandaItem Open Access Skills Development and Graduate Employability in the Tourism and Hospitality Sector of Southwestern Uganda: A Case of Kabale District(Kabale University, 2025) Tushabe, Sylivia ByarugabaDespite the expanding demand for skilled professionals in the tourism and hospitality sector, employers consistently express dissatisfaction with the competencies of recent graduates. This skills–employability gap undermines graduates’ capacity to secure gainful employment and limits the sector’s potential for growth. While previous studies have addressed employability in broader contexts, there is a paucity of empirical evidence specific to rural districts in sub-Saharan Africa, where tourism represents a strategic economic pillar. This study investigated the relationship between skills development and graduate employability, with a focus on alumni from higher education institutions (HEIs) in Kabale District, southwestern Uganda. A mixed-methods approach, integrating correlational and case study designs, was employed to capture both statistical relationships and contextual insights. Quantitative data were collected from 400 graduates of three purposively selected HEIs using stratified random sampling (response rate: 89.5%). Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 30 stakeholders, including employers, institutional leaders, lecturers, and officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, and the Ministry of Education and Sports (response rate: 83.3%). Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS and SmartPLS version 4 to examine predictive relationships between skill domains and employability outcomes. Qualitative data were thematically analysed using NVivo version 10 to capture stakeholder perspectives on graduate preparedness. In terms of results quantitative analysis revealed that socio-emotional skills (β = 0.492, p < 0.05) and cognitive skills (β = 0.325, p < 0.05) were the strongest predictors of graduate employability, while technical skills exhibited a weaker but statistically significant effect (β = 0.149, p < 0.05). Gender (β = 0.014, p = 0.745) and the type of HEI attended (β = 0.032, p = 0.212) were not significant predictors. Qualitative findings corroborated the statistical results, with stakeholders emphasising the tourism industry’s preference for graduates demonstrating strong interpersonal communication, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities over purely technical competencies. The triangulated findings produced three major contributions: (1) empirically confirming socio-emotional skills as the primary determinant of employability in this sector, (2) generating novel district-specific evidence for policy and practice in southwestern Uganda, and (3) developing conceptual and structural equation models that elucidate the pathways linking skills acquisition to employability outcomes. The study concludes that bridging the tourism and hospitality employability gap requires a comprehensive, sustained approach to skills development, with a stronger emphasis on socio-emotional and cognitive competencies alongside technical expertise. Recommendations include institutionalising lifelong learning and continuous professional development frameworks; introducing structured mentorship schemes and soft skills training into HEI curricula; upgrading training facilities with industry-standard equipment; and adopting graduate certification systems to enhance labour market credibility. Furthermore, reinforcing partnerships between HEIs and industry stakeholders is critical for aligning educational outputs with evolving market demands. Policymakers should embed skill enhancement initiatives into national education and tourism strategies to improve graduate readiness for a dynamic and competitive labour environmentItem Open Access Corporate Governance and Financial Performance of Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies in Uganda. A Case of Kiruhura District(Kabale University, 2025) Kyabarongo, BenonCorporate governance has garnered significant global attention over the years, with matters of effective corporate governance becoming subject matter for public and academic discourse. This study has taken an interest in investigating the relationship between corporate governance and financial performance in SACCOs in Kiruhura District, Uganda. The study investigated the moderating role of government policies on the relationship between corporate governance and financial performance. The research was molded in an integrative framework on mixed theories of agency and stewardship. To investigate the number of hypotheses, the researchers set up a positivist paradigm and chose a cross-sectional design. Through purposive sampling, 35 SACCOs were chosen from Kiruhura district. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics by SPSS version 25.0 for procedures concerning the initial assessment through multicollinearity check, calculation of mean and standard deviation, and checking management of outliers and missing values. The following SEM using Jaffrey’s Amazing Statistical Program (JASP) version 0.17.2.0 was then applied to investigating the relationship amongst the variables in the conceptual model. The significance of corporate governance on financial performance in SACCOs in Kiruhura district was statistically proven beyond p < 0.05. The finding further points out that government policies are the mediation construct between corporate governance and financial performance. This study takes the findings that justify theories of SACCOs' financial performance. It underscored that equitably corporate governance etched in the SACCO is as a key facilitator of better financial performances. Subsequent research is anticipated to examine longitudinal designs, qualitative methodologies, and international comparisons to address the identified gaps and limitations. In creating a circle of agency theories, the amount in which corporate governance positively affects the financial performance of SACCOs is now empirically found; at the same time, government policies moderate between them. The study also highlights that empirical evidence is applied to cross-sectional design working within a positivist framework, indicating variables in constructing the linkage. The study recommends that the managers of SACCOs focus significantly on the corporate governance practices and in ensuring adherence to corporate governance principles to better the decision-making and performance of the firms. Result of the study shows that government policies moderate the relationship between corporate governance and financial performance of SACCOs. Corporate governance influences the financial performance of SACCOs while this effect is moderated by government policies. Managerial implications for this study may entail an improvement in the general standards of transparency, stakeholder communication, and accountability toward all stakeholders.