Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)

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Open Access
Holistic policy making and good governance practices as a development model for poverty eradication success in Uganda 1986–2020. International Journal of Advanced Research
(International Journal of Advanced Research, 2024) Mucunguzi, Abel
The degree of poverty eradication outcomes of any poverty eradication policy intervention depends on the nature of the poverty eradication policy formulated and on the governance environment within which the policy is formulated and implemented. The more holistic a poverty eradication policy is, the more likely it is to produce positive and sustainable poverty reduction outcomes and vice versa but also conditional to the extent of good governance so accorded in the policy making environment. The study was conducted in Uganda covering the governance period 1986– 2020 and it employed a multiple case study design as well as a combination of quantitative and qualitative research designs.
Open Access
Strengthening ethical Values and accountability in Local Governance: Citizen-Led Strategies in the Greater Kigezi Sub-Region of Uganda
(International Journal of Advanced Research, 2025) Mucunguzi, Abel; Katusimeh, Mesharch Walto; Chrysostom, Oketch; Kakuru, Robert; Ahabwe, Macklean
Concerns persist regarding the effectiveness of ethical and accountability systems in public administration in Uganda. Addressing these challenges requires examining the role of citizens in promoting ethics and accountability in public service delivery and exploring the strategies to strengthen ethical values and accountability in local governments.This study sought to establish the role of citizens in enhancing ethics and accountability in public service delivery and to explore strategies for promoting ethical values which inturn can strengthen accountability mechanisms in local governments. The study was guided by the following research questions: What is the role of citizens in enhancing ethics and accountability in public service delivery? What strategies can help promote sound ethical values so as to strengthen accountability mechanisms in local governments?The methodology combined both qualitative and quantitative approaches that includedsurveys and interviewswith local government technical and political officials as well community leaders. Findings reveal that while local government initiatives often fall short in involving citizens adequately, empowering communities through education, sensitization and active participation in decision-making processes is identified as a key strategy for fostering ethical values and reinforcing accountability in local governance. The study also underscores the importance of reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies and enhancing collaboration between local governments and civil society organizations. In conclusion, the study advocates for strengthening citizen engagement mechanisms, promoting transparency, and addressing structural barriers that hinder accountability in Uganda‟s local governance systems. Recommendations focus on: empowering citizens to combat corruption;strengthening political accountability in local governments; limiting the use of discretionary powers; salary review and harmonization; adopting the Malaysian anti-Corruption model and reviewing institutional frameworks for fighting corruption.
Open Access
Employee Training and The Adoption of E-Government in Local Governments in Uganda: A Case Study of Jinja Local Government
(Asian Journal of Social Science and Management Technology, 2025) Mugavu, George; Mbabazi, Phelix Businge; Baremwire, Mary Bekoreire; Mucunguzi, Abel
The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between employee training and the adoption of e-government in Jinja local government. The study was guided by pragmatism as the research philosophy in which cross-sectional and case study research designs were embedded. The mixed research approach was employed with both quantitative and qualitative approaches given attention. As such, deductive and inductive research strategies were used. A total sample size of 200 respondents was drawn from a target population of 400 using Yamane (1967) formula for sample size determination. As such, stratified and purposive sampling techniques were mainly employed. This paper further provides detailed review of literature in tandem with the relationship between employee training and the adoption of e-government. The Pearson correlation results depicted was 0.509**. The P-value that was associated with this correlation was 0.000. The P-value of 0.000, was less than 0.01 which depicted that the observed correlation was statistically significant at 0.01 level. This correlation analysis depicted that there was a moderate positive statistically significant relationship between employee training and the adoption of E-government in Jinja local government. These findings thus implied that there was need for officials in the local government to continuously strengthen the training function in the area of information communication technologies (ICTs) in order to ensure the effective adoption of E government in Jinja District local government since training was revealed to have a significant moderate positive relationship with the adoption of E-government in Jinja Local government. We concluded that Employee Training significantly affected the adoption of e-government in Jinja local government ; The researchers vehemently recommended the need for continuous training of the Jinja District Local government staff in computer hardware and software as these would improve on their skills in those areas which would be very critical in helping the staff to undertake the E-government adoption tasks easily and also contribute to a positive attitude towards electronic work among the staff in Local governments in Uganda, the researchers further recommended the need for local government top officials to always consult with, and involve all the relevant the staff of the local governments on how ICTs hardware and software trainings would be conducted and as would always ensure fruitful trainings which would propel ensure efficiency and effectiveness among staff in using the e-government plat forms in Local Governments in Uganda.
Open Access
Monitoring and evaluation of the quality of healthcare service delivery in Ntungamo district, Uganda
(African Journal of Governance and Public Leadership, 2024) Nahabwe, Judith; Basheka, Benon C.; Mucunguzi, Abel
The need to discern the progress of development interventions has increased the demand for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activities. In this paper, we report findings on a study that examined the impact of M&E on the quality of healthcare service delivery in Ntungamo District. The study used a cross-sectional research design where data from 213 respondents was used to draw inferences. The quantitative findings were generated through a questionnaire method and findings were supplemented by qualitative data through interviews. The study established that the implementation type of M&E has a statistically significant positive relationship with the quality of healthcare service delivery as depicted by a correlation coefficient of r=0.308**. Also, beneficiary type of M&E has a statistically significant positive relationship with the quality of healthcare service delivery as indicated by correlation results r=0.378**. On its part, social accountability type of M&E had a positive correlation (r=0.345**). Overall, the study demonstrates that monitoring and evaluation has a medium impact on the quality of healthcare service delivery in Uganda. The implication of this finding is that there are other factors likely to influence the quality of health care delivery other than M & E. The findings appeal to contexts beyond a local government and convey that M and E is not the only factor likely to support the success of an intervention.
Open Access
Enhancing Local Governance through Community-Driven Participatory Decision-Making: A Case Study in Kabale District, Uganda.
(Kabale University, 2024) Mbandlwa, Zamokuhle; Katusiimeh, Mesharch Walto
This study explores the enhancement of local governance through community-driven participatory decision-making in Kabale District, Uganda. Despite the significance of local governance in promoting sustainable development, many communities face challenges related to marginalization and limited citizen engagement. This research aimed to assess the effectiveness of participatory decision-making frameworks in fostering local governance, with specific objectives to evaluate community involvement, identify barriers to participation, and recommend strategies for improvement. The study combines qualitative and quantitative data collected through surveys, focus group discussions, and interviews with local leaders and community members, the primary data was obtained from the United NationsHabitat. The findings reveal that while community participation has increased in recent years, significant gaps remain in terms of inclusivity and awareness of governance processes. Barriers identified include socio-economic disparities, lack of education, and insufficient communication from local authorities. The study concludes that enhancing local governance in Kabale requires a robust framework for participatory decision-making that prioritizes inclusivity and empowerment. This study recommends fostering community education programs, improving transparency in governance processes, and utilizing technology to facilitate better communication. By addressing these challenges, Kabale District can improve local governance outcomes, ultimately leading to more responsive and effective governance that reflects the needs and aspirations of its citizens.
Open Access
Emancipatory Social Work: A Promising Practice to End Elder Abuse in Uganda.
(Kabale University, 2024) Wamara, Charles Kiiza; Mbabazi, Ruth; Hategekimana, Donisian
This article argues that social workers with older people in Uganda need to undertake emancipatory practice to free older people from abuse. It notes that despite the numerous efforts and resources invested in the traditional social work approaches to end elder abuse, it is still rampant throughout the country. The paper further points out the main challenges characterising traditional social work approaches in addressing elder abuse. It finally highlights how social workers can adopt an emancipatory approach to end elder abuse in Uganda.
Open Access
Social Administration and Societal Transformation in Uganda Today.
(Kabale University, 2024) Mugavu, George
Any attempt to divorce Social Administrators from mainstream societal arrangements aimed at causing societal transformation and development is a futile one. This is due to the fact that social administrators have historically been instrumental in working with governments around the world to ensure that societal needs at different levels are addressed to propel development. Societal transformation requires concerted efforts and this is exactly why governments have to embrace the role played Social Administrators in societal development. The researcher employed a purely critical qualitative approach in which desk research methodology was relied upon. As such secondary data was used and this data was obtained mainly from scholarly and published research articles surrounding Social administration, Social welfare, and other crucial published reports, with matters of the role of social administrators in societal transformation in Uganda today under scrutiny in which even the challenges incapacitating the social administrators from playing their roles well were also analyzed. Critical content analysis was employed in examining the roles of social administrators in Uganda and also the challenges that they face. Validity and reliability were guaranteed by paying much attention to critical conceptual clarity and interpretative rigor. In this paper I reviewed the genesis, the roles of Social Administrators, the challenges that hamper the activities the discipline of Social Administration drawing substantiations from the Ugandan experience. Connectedly, based on literature review, I further concluded that transforming the society is a holistic process which should be done involving all the relevant stakeholders at different levels especially in the community as this would be in position cause for ownership of all projects that could be set up to help the people improve their conditions of living. I also came up with some recommendations which included; the central government should strengthen the monitoring and evaluation department, integrating technology into mainstream societal development projects, continuously empowering local people and embracing the sustainable development strategies.
Open Access
Christian Doctrines and the Death of Osinachi: Social Work Intervention with Women in Intimate Partner Violence in Nigeria.
(Kabale University, 2024) Imafi, Kelly Alfred
This paper x-rayed the spate of Christian doctrines as a resistance for Christian women to stay in violent intimate relationship using Mrs. Osinachi as our case study. It espoused the counsels and teaching of the Christian doctrines and how these are employed to manipulate women to accept and continue to endure the harsh and intimidating relationships with their partner. The paper also established that the custodians of the Christian doctrines who are mainly men amplify the verses of the Bible that focus primarily on women to be submissive while they are silent about the areas that command men not to abuse their wives. The paper adopted literature scoping research method alongside reflexive research method to gather the required data. Content analysis was use to analyzed secondary data which were comprehensively reviewed and important themes isolated and analyzed based on the aim of the study. The paper recommends social work profession that is capable of providing effective intervention to empower and liberate to women from abuse and all forms of religious and cultural oppression which has in the past rendered them voiceless and helpless.
Open Access
Classroom Streaming and Academic Achievement Among Students in Secondary Schools in Uganda: Evidence from Apac and Jinja Districts.
(Kabale University, 2024) Karuhanga, Samuel; Chama, Julius; Bantu, Edward; Tibesasa, Ruth; Turyasingura, Benson
Several studies have been conducted to ascertain the impact of ability grouping on academic attainment over the past 20 years, but little effort has been made. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of classroom streaming on academic achievement and self- esteem of secondary school students and the relationship between streaming and academic achievement among students in secondary schools in Apac and Jinja districts. The researcher involved four secondary schools from the Apac and Jinja districts. The 240 subjects, both boys and girls, with 30 subjects drawn from each of the selected streams, were drawn from the four schools. The sample chosen was large enough to be representative of the whole student population in the two districts. The analysis of the relationship between streaming and academic achievement revealed that the p-calculated value was found to be 0.0001 with df = 238. Since 0.0001 is far less than 0.05, which is the P-critical value at which the researcher tested the hypothesis, the conclusion is that streaming has an effect on academic achievement. The study confirmed that ability grouping has a strong bearing on the academic achievement of secondary school students.
Open Access
Operationalization of the Decentralized Policy Framework in Uganda: An Examination of the Key Milestones and Challenges.
(Kabale University, 2024) Mugavu, George; Mucunguzi, Abel
Decentralization in Uganda has been considered one of the most instrumental and partly successful policies amongst most of the policies that have been implemented under the National Resistance Movement Government. This is attributed to a well streamlined governance structure with connected checks and balances in case of any breach of the rules of procedure of implementation on providing services by a particular individual or individuals working or acting in a particular local government office. Of course there are governance challenges notably corruption, bribery and embezzlement of funds, political pressures and patronage all of which deter local governments from achieving their set goals and objectives. In this paper we attempt to review and assess the governance of the decentralization policy in Uganda concentrating on the key milestones and failures.
Open Access
The socio-economic impact of Covid-19 on refugees and host community’s livelihoods in south western Uganda: a case of Nakivale refugee settlement.
(Kabale University, 2024) Mucungunzi, Abel; Mugisha, Abbasa; Ahabwe, Macklean
This study examined the way the imposition of total lockdown during the COVID-19 epidemic affected the socioeconomic livelihoods of refugees and host communities at the Nakivale refugee settlement in South Western Uganda. This study worked towards answering the following questions; to what extent did COVID-19 affect refugees and the host community’s livelihood status at the Nakivale refugee settlement?; how did COVID-19 affect the operations of government and other humanitarian stakeholders at the Nakivale refugee settlement and how did they deal with such an impact?; what alternative policy approaches were available to guide the government and other actors in dealing with the socioeconomic livelihoods of refugees in the pandemic events? By using a cross-sectional design with a qualitative approach, the study used in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participatory mapping to explore the research questions. The study findings revealed that the imposition of country-wide lockdowns affected the operations of all stakeholders which in turn also affected the socioeconomic livelihoods of refugees and host communities. It was thus recommended that in future epidemic events, the government as the overall overseer of refugee situations in tandem with humanitarian agencies, would need to consider attending to the plight of refugees in totality with its response to the general citizenry.
Open Access
Influence of Poverty on Female Youth Prostitution in Uganda: The Experiences of Young Women Residing in Kigongi Ward, Kabale Municipality.
(Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 2023-10-24) Mbabazi, Ruth; Adebayo, Sanni T
Background: The study aimed to investigate the influence of poverty on female youth prostitution in Kigongi Ward, Kabale Municipality. The study was guided by specific objectives, which include the influence of poverty on female youth prostitution, the experiences and perspectives of the female youth involved in prostitution, and the degree to which poverty influences prostitution among female youths in Kigongi Ward, Kabale Municipality. Methodology: This study adopted a case study research design utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Using simple random and purposive sampling techniques, a total of 100 respondents were used in the study. Results: It was found that a majority of 30% of the respondents reported that a woman might live a simple life or earn a lot of money as a prostitute, while 20% of the respondents mentioned parental neglect and youth laziness as the factors that push female youth into prostitution. Also, (30%) of respondents mentioned that prostitution affects a community's reputation, standard of living, and property. On the degree to which poverty influences prostitution among female youths, the majority of the respondents (45%) said that poverty causes female youth prostitution in Kigongi Ward. Conclusion: It was concluded that poverty contributes majorly to female youth prostitution in the Kigongi ward of Kabale Municipality. And there is no supportive empowerment policy that can alleviate poverty. Recommendation:People from developing nations must be given legal chances to migrate, with consideration for the economic interests of both the receiving nation and the immigrants themselves.
Open Access
Rethinking the question of identity for indigenous public administration within public administration
(International journal of research in business and social science., 2023-11-11) Mahlala Sandiso ,Basheka Benon and Rapanyane Makhura Benjamin
In African Public Administration, this article considers the subject of rethinking identity for indigenous public administration. It seeks to determine whether the lack of indigenous traditions as a foundation for current Public Administration will actually fulfil the essential knowledge demands of government by solving challenges that cannot be answered by public officials. This epistemic discrimination of indigenous public administration in Public Administration has been widely disseminated without taking into account the value systems of African societies that have established their own distinct administrative structures within their respective cultural settings. This has resulted in a plethora of misunderstandings and contradictions in contemporary public administration practices. This is due to P[p]ublic A[a]dministration modulating the influence of Africans, their processes and institutions in the development of the discipline. In light of this realization, this paper discusses how rethinking the issue of identity for indigenous public administration can and should serve as a foundational tool for promoting Africa's Public Administration. This paper employs Afrocentricity as an avant-garde to untangle this discourse based on the above-mentioned breakdown. The paper is conceptual in nature and is based on a review of literature from a variety of sources, including policies, popular media statements, and academic publications.
Open Access
Classroom Streaming and Academic Achievement Among Atudents in Aecondary Achools in Uganda: Evidence from Apac and Jinja Districts.
(Kabale University, 2023) Karuhanga, Samuel; Chama, Julius; Bantu, Edward; Tibesasa, Ruth; Turyasingura, Benson
Several studies have been conducted to ascertain the impact of ability grouping on academic attainment over the past 20 years, but little effort has been made. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of classroom streaming on academic achievement and self-esteem of secondary school students and the relationship between streaming and academic achievement among students in secondary schools in Apac and Jinja districts. The researcher involved four secondary schools from the Apac and Jinja districts. The 240 subjects, both boys and girls, with 30 subjects drawn from each of the selected streams, were drawn from the four schools. The sample chosen was large enough to be representative of the whole student population in the two districts. The analysis of the relationship between streaming and academic achievement revealed that the p-calculated value was found to be 0.0001 with df = 238. Since 0.0001 is far less than 0.05, which is the P-critical value at which the researcher tested the hypothesis, the conclusion is that streaming has an effect on academic achievement. The study confirmed that ability grouping has a strong bearing on the academic achievement of secondary school students.
Open Access
The Potential Impacts of The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) On Human Rights in Uganda.
(ssrn.com, 2021-09-30) Mugabi. K. Ivan.
This paper is primarily centered on interaction between the advancement of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (herein after the EACOP) on one hand and aspects of human rights on the other hand. This paper shall seek to borrow ideas from land rights, environmental rights and other right based narratives in demonstrating how and why the EACOP project is not only the most exciting socioeconomic but also a project giving room for opposing phenomenological discourses most of which are hinged upon ideas of human rights. This analysis shall therefore adopt a comparative as well as a reflective research design in asserting that in as much as the project is economically viable, lesson must be picked from other developing regions where similar projects have culminated into detrimental consequences upon the communities
Open Access
Governance and Poverty Eradication Policy Performance During the NRM Administration in Uganda 1986 – 2020.
(Kabale University, 2023) Mucunguzi, Abel; Katabaazi, Anny Bwengye
Poverty in Uganda is attributed to diseases, limited access to land, large families, lack of markets for agricultural produce, lack of credit facilities, lack of education and vocational training, lack of jobs, high unfair taxes and market dues, death of family bread winners, ignorance and lack of information, idleness and laziness, insurgency and gender inequalities among others. This is the identifiable poverty structural complex within which any actor on poverty reduction and eradication has to work. However, despite the above elaborate classification of the causes of poverty in Uganda and the enactment of numerous anti-poverty policies, less effort has been expended in analyzing why the poverty situation in Uganda has not significantly changed since the NRM administration. This study therefore attempted inter alia to fill this research gap and also sought to introduce new concepts that can improve poverty reduction and eradication agenda in Uganda. The idea behind this research is that if the causes of the slow progress in poverty reduction are not identified and targeted holistically through policy and inculcation of good governance at all levels of government administration, it will be difficult for Uganda to achieve significant poverty reduction and eradication in the long run. Consequently therefore, the main objective of the study was to establish whether or not a relationship exists between governance and anti-poverty policy performance in Uganda and to generate governance practices that can be applied for better anti-poverty policy performance in Uganda in the future. Following on this objective it is hypothesized that a possible relationship exists between governance practices at all levels of government administration and poverty reduction so much so that particular governance practices are crucial in poverty reduction. A mixed research methodology was adopted in the study and a number of questions were adopted to assist in probing this hypothesis.
Open Access
Skills for Collecting Research Data, Analytical Skills, and Lecturer Job Effectiveness at Nigerian Universities.
(Kabale University, 2023) Oluwafemi, Ebenezer Jegede; Otu, Bernard D.
This study sought to examine research data gathering skill, analytical skill and lecturers’ Job effectiveness in two Universities in Nigeria, namely University of Calabar of Cross River State, and Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Nigeria respectively. The choice of these two Universities is to balance the equation of the research on both the public and private universities. Literature review was both empirical and theoretical. The design used was causal comparative (Ex-Post-Facto). Two null hypotheses formulated to direct the investigation. The population of the study was 1856, from the two Universities. The instrument for data collection was constructed by the researchers using a four likert scale questionnaire titled; Skills for Collecting Research Data, Analytical Skills, and Lecturer Job Effectiveness at Nigerian Universities. The face and content validity was checked by experts in Measurement and Evaluation who vetted the items developed. The reliability of the instrument was trial tested using the Cronbach Alpha method and the co-efficient ranged from .71 to .86. The stratified sample technique was used to sample 420 lecturers, for the study. Statistical tool employed for data analysis was the simple linear regression at 0.05 level of significance, with 341 degree of freedom. The result of the analysis revealed that research data gathering skill, analytical skill significantly relate with lecturers’ Job effectiveness. It was recommended that regular seminars and workshops on research be organized for academics to update and sustain their skills in research.
Open Access
Food Security in the Wake of Perennial Crop Farming. Paradoxes Underlying Commercial Agriculture in Kigezi.
(Kabale University, 2023) Chama, Julius
This study critically examines the contribution of tea growing in Kigezi region and how it affects the growth of other crops that are meant for food consumption. It underscores the performance of tea as a cash crop and also as a means of foreign exchange for the country as well as a source of employment. This study establishes that the tea sector has not in any way affected food security in the region of Kigezi and has instead improved house hold incomes, been a source of employment and boosted revenue for households. The sector has however registered some challenges like limited faith among the out growers who prefer their own traditional crops. There have also been challenges of lack of c ordination from stake holders like NEMA, the district local governments and government ministries, departments and agencies. The study recommends to government that policy makers make a comprehensive tea policy that stream lines conflicting agencies and also learn best practices from neighbouring countries like Kenya where the sector has performed immensely well. Farmers also need constant sencitizatin on the benefits of the cash crop.
Open Access
Debunking the local government malaise under the decentralization policyin Uganda: an analytical treatise
(Kabale University Interdisciplinary Research Journal (KURJ), 2022) Julius, Chama
Several years have passed since Uganda approved decentralization both as a tool of good governance and as a policy of poverty reduction however many regions and districts in the country, including the city authorities, continue to stagger in poverty and development melancholy. Studies conducted at the local/district level show that high levels of poorness and underdevelopment remain. This development paradox is the subject of this article. A review of the current literature and interviews with stakeholders in local government institutions in Uganda, unveil that conflicts, limited resources and continued fragmentation of districts by politicians have been impediments to progress. Hindrances also included the socio-economic and the political. It also portrays gerrymandering and a decrepit state of affairs. This study suggests the sovereignty of local governments, expansion of resource bases through robust methods such as taxation and the institutionalization of public sector reform programs to ensure a sustainable base for social services delivery
Open Access
Perennial crop farming and food security in Kigezi: a case study of Kigezi highland tea
(Kabale University Interdisciplinary Research Journal (KURJ), 2022) Julius, Chama
This study critically examines the contribution of tea growing in Kigezi region and how it affects the growth of other crops that are meant for food consumption. It underscores the performance of tea as a cash crop and as a means of generating foreign exchange for the country as well as a source of employment. This study establishes that the tea sector has not in any way affected food security in the region of Kigezi and has instead improved household incomes, been a source of employment and boosted revenue for households. The sector has however registered some challenges like limited faith among the out growers who prefer their own traditional crops. There have also been challenges of lack of coordination from stake-holders like NEMA, the district local governments and government ministries, departments and agencies. The study recommends to government that policy makers design a comprehensive tea policy that streamlines conflicting agencies and also learn best practices from neighboring countries like Kenya where the sector has performed immensely well. Farmers also need constant sensitization on the benefits of the cash crop.