The effect of financial management practices on the effectiveness of pastoral mission in North Ankole diocese

Abstract

This study investigated and analyzed the effect of financial management practices on the effectiveness of pastoral mission in North Ankole Diocese, with the aim of identifying best practices and recommending strategies for improved financial stewardship that enhances pastoral impact and community service. The study was guided by three objectives: to assess the effect of existing financial management practices on the effectiveness of pastoral mission in North Ankole Diocese; to identify the challenges in financial management that affect the diocese’s ability to fulfill its pastoral mandate effectively; and to suggest strategies for improving financial management practices to enhance pastoral mission effectiveness in North Ankole Diocese. The study employed a mixed-methods research design, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between financial management practices and pastoral mission effectiveness. The main participants were clergy (ordained ministers) and members of the diocesan finance department, supplemented by a random sample of lay Christians. Data were collected from 80 respondents using structured questionnaires administered to 60 lay Christians, and semi-structured interview guides used with 20 key informants comprising 10 clergy and 10 finance staff. The study was conducted in North Ankole Diocese within Kiruhura and Kazo districts, covering the period 2015 to 2025. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages), and qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The study found that financial management practices in North Ankole Diocese are characterized by significant deficits in transparency, accountability, and systematic support for pastoral mission activities, as evidenced by the majority of church members’ negative perceptions and the qualitative testimony of clergy and finance staff. The study further found that the most significant challenges are inadequate and irregular financial resources, poor financial planning and budgeting, and pervasive financial illiteracy among parish leadership. The study recommended that the diocese should establish a unified financial reporting and accountability framework covering all levels, institute a biannual mandatory Financial Management and Stewardship Training Programme for parish leadership, and develop a five-year Financial Management Transformation Strategy incorporating mobile money systems, revenue diversification, and a dedicated grants and resource mobilization function