UCU Digital Institutional Repository(UCUDIR)

Welcome to the Uganda Christian University Digital Institutional Repositoy (UCUDIR). This is the University's official Institutional Repository. It aims to collect, preserve and showcase the intellectual output of staff and students of UCU. This growing collection of research includes peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, working papers, theses, and more.

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Communities in UCUDIR

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CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN UGANDA: A CASE STUDY OF KABALE MUNICIPALITY, KABALE DISTRICT
(2024-10-14) Kiconco Charity
The study was carried out to establish the effect of capital structure on the financial performance of SMEs in Kabale Municipality. Specifically, the study concentrated on establishing the effect of debt capital on financial performance of SME’s in Kabale Municipality, the effect of equity capital on financial performance of SME’s in Kabale Municipality and determining the effect of retained earnings on financial performance of SME’s in Kabale Municipality. The study involved 225 respondents from 3 sectors of food processing, real estate, and accommodation and food services and it adopted cross-sectional designs using both quantitative and qualitative Research approaches. Data analysis was done using SPSS and interpreted using mean range 5- point Likert scale and Pearson correlation analysis. This study found out that there is a positive and significant relationship between effectiveness in debt capital and financial performance of selected SMEs in Kabale Municipality. The relationship between the two variables is supported by the r. value of 0.391**and significant value of 0.000. This finding implies that any unit improvement in effective use in debt capital among the selected SMEs in Kabale Municipality can lead to improvement in the level of financial performance among SMEs in Kabale by 39.1 %. The study also found out that any variation in equity capital implementation will lead to a positive and significant variation in financial performance. This finding is confirmed by the Pearson Correlation value (r) of 0.411** and significant value of 0.000 which is far less than the standardized significant value 0.05. This finding suggests that any unit improvement in effectiveness in equity capital among the selected SMEs in Kabale Municipality can lead to improvement in the level of financial performance by 41.1 %. Lastly this study found out that effective use of retained earnings can significantly and positively impact on financial performance of the selected SMEs in Kabale Municipality. This finding is supported by the significant value of 0.000 and the Person Correlation of 0.698**. This finding means that the financial performance of the selected SMEs in Kabale Municipality will be boosted by 69.8% in every unit improvement in the effective use of retained earnings among SMEs. Based on the conclusions related to the specific objectives, it can be concluded that there is a significant relationship between capital structure and financial performance among SMEs in Kabale Municipality-Uganda.
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Analysis of Audience Participation in Community Radio Programmes in Eastern Uganda. A Case Study of Delta Community Radio, Soroti (Uganda)
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-10-11) Leah Atai
Realistically, a major thesis project like this can never be credited to a single person’s work but to an entire team. I therefore, extend my deepest gratitude and appreciation to all those who have contributed to the successful completion of this study. In the pursuit of understanding the intricate dynamics of community radio programming in Eastern Uganda, this research endeavors would not have been possible without the support, guidance, and contributions of numerous individuals and organizations. First and foremost, the almighty God for bestowing upon me the knowledge and granting me the courage to face adversity. Secondly, a heartfelt appreciation is extended to the management and staff of Delta Community Radio in Soroti District for their invaluable cooperation and openness in granting access to vital resources and facilitating the necessary arrangements for data collection. Special gratitude is extended to the participants of this study, whose willingness to share insights, experiences, and perspectives has enriched the depth and breadth of the research findings. Their engagement has been instrumental in shedding light on the nuances of audience participation in community radio programs. The academic and professional guidance provided by mentors, advisors, and peers throughout the research process is deeply acknowledged and appreciated. Their expertise and encouragement have been indispensable in shaping the trajectory of this study and refining its methodologies. Furthermore, appreciation is extended to the communities of Eastern Uganda, whose vibrant culture, diverse voices, and unwavering support have been a constant source of inspiration and motivation. Lastly, heartfelt thanks are extended to family members and loved ones for their unwavering support, patience, and understanding throughout the journey of conducting this research. This acknowledgement is a testament to the collaborative spirit and collective effort that underpins the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. May this research endeavor contribute meaningfully to the advancement of community radio programming and audience engagement in Eastern Uganda and beyond.
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NGOS’ Interventions and Socio-Economic Transformation of Street Children in Uganda: A Case of Child Restoration Outreach (CRO), Mbale City
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-10-02) Elizabeth Amongin
This research was on NGOs interventions and socio-economic transformation of street children in Uganda: A case of Child Restoration Outreach (CRO) in Mbale City. The purpose was to explore interventions CRO was using for socio-economic transformation of street children; assess the contribution of such interventions on the socio-economic transformation of street children and establish challenges children experienced as a result of such interventions. The study used both quantitative and qualitative methods in collecting and analyzing data. Out of 80 children registered with CRO, 70 were found present. Using Yamane (1967) formula, a sample of 60 was selected. Data collection tools included interview guides, focus group discussions, and questionnaires. Purposive sampling was used to select key informants, while simple random sampling identified the street children who participated in the study. The findings revealed that CRO played a significant role in improving the lives of street children by providing shelter, meals, healthcare, covering their medical expenses. However, the study found out that CRO was unable to pay school fees for the children. Overall, the study concluded that CRO had a positive impact on street children’s lives in Mbale City. The research recommended that the Ugandan government and other stakeholders create a supportive environment for all children, including street children, by offering supplementary funding to NGOs to address the issue of education. Additionally, the study urged the government to improve security in the Karamoja region, where many of the street children come from due to insecurity, and ensure food security in the area, as famine is one of the factors driving Karamojong children to the streets of Mbale.
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Exploring the Prospects and Impediments of Community Dialogue for Social Change Around Immunisation Against Six Childhood Killer Diseases: A Case of Gogrial West County in South Sudan
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-10-11) Abraham Daljang Maker
The research investigated the Prospects and impediments of community dialogue for effecting social change regarding immunisation against six prevalent childhood diseases in Gogrial West County, South Sudan. The study was structured around four specific objectives: comprehending the factors facilitating community dialogue in Gogrial West County, identifying the obstacles impeding community dialogue for social transformation in Gogrial West County and evaluating the communication tools and channels employed by stakeholders in community dialogue in Gogrial West County. The study relied on a desk review to accumulate pertinent data from secondary literature sources such as journals, newspapers, and articles. A sample of 50 respondents was targeted, with 49 ultimately participating, and both primary and secondary data were utilised. The findings indicated community participation enhances awareness, fosters trust, and elevates immunisation rates. The study revealed that financial constraints, gender disparities, fear of retaliation, and transportation difficulties impede community dialogue for social change. Conversely, factors discouraging participation in immunization-related dialogues encompass fear, misinformation, and a lack of confidence in healthcare providers and the healthcare system. Conclusively, the research emphasised the diverse range of communication tools and channels utilised in community dialogues in Gogrial West County, reflecting the necessity to address a broad audience. Furthermore, it was emphasised that while in-person meetings are favoured for direct engagement, it is imperative to adapt to contemporary communication preferences such as radio programs and mobile messaging. The study recommended collaboration between local authorities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to secure sufficient funding for community dialogues. Additionally, it suggested the requirement for resources and assistance to surmount financial and logistical challenges. This study emphasises the significance of cooperative endeavours among communities, healthcare professionals, and policymakers in overcoming obstacles and enhancing immunisation response and coverage. By prioritising community engagement and dialogue, sustainable solutions can be collaboratively developed with the community to ameliorate the impact of childhood diseases in Gogrial West County and similar regions in South Sudan.
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The Effect of Education Package on Caregivers' Knowledge, and Practices Towards Caring for Adolescents Living With HIV: A Case Study of a Health Center IV in Mid-western Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-10-04) Deus Mugaga
Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS, which is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. Globally, an estimated 37.9 million people are currently living with HIV, of these, 36.2 million were adults and 1.7 million were adolescents, about 1.5 million (89 %) live in sub-Saharan Africa. In Uganda, an estimated 1.4 million people were living with HIV in 2018, about 9% were adolescents aged, and an estimated 1.6% Ugandans died of AIDS-related illnesses. Adolescents on ART need support in order to ensure the high level of adherence is achieved to maximize the benefits of the therapy. The support and guidance from their caregivers are crucial in improving their adherence on ART. However, caregivers‟ intent support to adolescents is a major challenge due to lack of adequate knowledge about the ever-changing drugs used in the treatment of HIV. This study therefore, was to find out the effect of an interventional education package to the caregivers on their knowledge about ART and their practices towards ART adherence among adolescents. Methods: A sample of 98 caregivers were adopted for the study. Data collection was done before and after the education, intervention package slated for one month and this was done by use of an administered questionnaire that was translated into Runyoro. The data was finally analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of the statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: Analysis revealed that active drug level influenced adherence to ART among adolescents, caregivers' supportive of the adolescent on ART improved their adherence, and knowledge affects the way the caregiver enforces the dosages towards the adolescents, and enables them to plan effectively and empowers their ability to supervise their adolescents on ART. Conclusion: Knowledge is a very fundamental factor among caregivers, education package enriches the caregivers' commitment to practices towards enhancing adolescent's adherence on ART, and the caregivers‟ knowledge has a significant relationship with their commitment when it comes to caring for adolescents on ART.
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Factors Affecting the Implementation of Physical Education in Primary Schools in Uganda. A Case of Primary Schools in Lugazi Municipality Buikwe District
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-10-08) Janet Lindah Tumuhairwe
With a focus on primary schools in the Buikwe District's Lugazi Municipality, the study sought to investigate the variables influencing the implementation of physical education in Ugandan primary schools. Its main objectives were to identify the factors related to teachers that affect how physical education is implemented in primary schools, evaluate the factors related to schools that affect how physical education is implemented in primary schools, and investigate the external factors that affect how physical education is implemented in primary schools in Lugazi Municipality. Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research methods, the study was conducted utilizing a cross-sectional survey research methodology. Utilizing both purposive and simple random sampling techniques, 110 respondents were chosen as the sample size from the entire population. Utilizing questionnaires and interviews, data was gathered. In this regard, the study findings have shown that the three most influential factors that affect the implementation of PE in primary schools within Lugazi Municipality include teacher-related, school-related, and external factors. The teacher-related factors, such as lack of proper training for PE, negative attitude, or excessively large-sized classes, increased the implementation of PE by 21.4% (β = 0.214, p = 0.000). The school factors were inadequate facilities, equipment, and budget, hence causing the highest impact with an improved 45.4% β = 0.454, p = 0.000. External factors, such as parental support and cultural beliefs, constituted a 37.5% enhancement, β = 0.375, p = 0.000, hence showing that support is needed in every area. This study also recommended enhancing the training of teachers through specialist programs in physical education and continuous professional development, something particularly called for; improving resource allocations in respect of facilities and equipment; and providing government support with appropriate financing and policies to strengthen the delivery of physical education within schools. It also develops the need for increased involvement of parents and communities and partnerships with outside agencies to raise awareness and encourage support, overcoming cultural obstacles, especially for girls, to physical activities.
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A Framework for Enhancing the Influence of Evaluation in the Implementation of the African Peer Review Mechanism
(2024-01) Martin Kizito
This study analyses the implementation of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), as a governance evaluation framework mandated by Article 5(2) of the African Union (AU) Constitutive Act of 2000. It aimed at generating a framework for enhancing the APRM, and in turn positively influence public policy outcomes in AU member states. The study was in response to increasing calls for empirical field studies especially about African home-grown initiatives, to guide stakeholders on how evaluation inputs translate into activities and consequently policy outcomes. In contributing to the decolonising agenda, in policy evaluation knowledge, it argues that APRM, is a Made in Africa Evaluation (MAE), but adopts a Eurocentric rational and outcome oriented approach to evaluation. This mismatch, in light of the limited attention given to the implementation process of peer review, has resulted into concerns of emerging patterns of evaluation under-use, misuse and non-use or inaction. This trend may result into an evaluation crisis, affecting the sustainability of the APRM as a catalyst to the realisation of the AU Agenda 2063. Using a mechanism-based approach, this thesis aims at bridging the knowledge gap by empirically drawing on qualitative data collected from 35 purposively selected participants. Through interviews and a focus group discussion (FGD), it established the perceptions of APRM stakeholders, about the impact of the first and second-generation peer reviews (2005-2018) as well as the refugee policy framework as a reported best practice. The findings were analysed inductively using ATLAS.ti 08 qualitative software and they reveal that the APRM first National Plan of Action (NPoA) was among the 23 core studies that directly informed the formulation of Uganda’s initial National Development Plan (NDPI). Nevertheless, APRM influence is declining to show casing best practices, with increasing symbolic use but also mis-use of APRM recommendations. This is attributed to inadequate financial and technical capacity inputs, lack of a well-domesticated legal framework supporting APRM activities, stakeholders without a well-established culture of evaluations and a political context that allows selective use of evaluations in policies. In the proposed framework, the study recommends inclusive participation in evaluation input, activities aligned with government plans; institutionalising government wide reporting on NPoA implementation and establish a well-domesticated legal framework.
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Internal Communication and Employee Performance in Uganda. Academics of Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-10-07) Stellah Ninsiima
The study investigated the influence of internal communication on employee performance at Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB). The specific objectives were to: a) Examine the influence of communication flow on employee performance, b) Assess the influence of information quality on employee performance, and c) Analyze the influence of communication channels on employee performance at UBTEB. A cross-sectional research design was employed, utilizing quantitative approaches to analyze data using percentages, frequencies, mean differences, and standard deviation. The study population consisted of 110 UBTEB employees, with a sample size of 77 respondents determined using Krejcie & Morgan's tables. Both random and purposive sampling techniques were used, with purposive sampling targeting key informants such as Heads of Departments. The results revealed a statistically significant relationship between internal communication and employee performance. Multiple regression analysis indicated a strong positive correlation (R = 0.822) between the internal communication variables and employee performance. The R Square value of 0.676 suggests that 67.6% of the variability in employee performance is explained by communication flow, information quality, and communication channels. The p-values for communication flow and communication channels were highly significant at 0.000, well below the conventional threshold of 0.05, indicating a strong influence on employee performance. Information quality also had a statistically significant effect, with a p-value of 0.027. The study revealed that boosting communication flow, information quality, and channel diversification can considerably improve employee performance at UBTEB. It advised that UBTEB develop regular feedback mechanisms, undertake communication skills training, assess communication flows on a regular basis, and vary communication channels in order to promote an open communication culture. This study highlights the importance of internal communication in boosting employee performance and provides practical solutions for enhancing communication tactics within firms.
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The Role of School Management Committee in the Achievement of Universal Primary Education (UPE) Program Objectives in Selected Primary Schools in Mukono District, Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-10-07) Shallot Ankunda
The study intended to establish the role of the School Management Committee in ensuring achievements of the UPE program objectives within selected primary schools in Mukono District, Uganda. It focused specifically on establishing the contribution of the governance role of the school management committee to the achievement of the UPE program objectives in primary schools, assessing the contribution of the monitoring and evaluation role of the school management committee to the attainment of UPE program objectives in primary schools, and examining the contribution of the community involvement role of the school management committee to the achievement of UPE program objectives in primary schools. In addition to using both quantitative and qualitative research methods, the study was conducted using a cross-sectional survey research methodology. Using key informants through purposive sampling and the basic random sampling procedure, a sample size of 44 was obtained. Questionnaires and interviews were used to gather data. These research findings show that good governance of SMCs significantly enhances the attainment of the objectives of Universal Primary Education in Mukono District. The Pearson's correlation is strong and positive, relating governance practices to the success of UPE: r = 0.644, p < 0.05. With β = 0.317 and t = 5.003 at p = 0.004, 31.7% changes in the outcomes of UPE were explained by good governance. M&E also play an important role at r = 0.656 and p < 0.05; from β = 0.332, t = 4.686, and p = 0.000, showing that 33.2% of the success in UPE is linked to an effective M&E practice. In addition, community participation enhances UPE performance significantly: r = 0.623, p < 0.05, where UPE goals increase by 24.8% for every unit increase in community participation-β = 0.248, t = 3.076 and p = 0.003. It also recommended the improvement in governance practices of SMCs through selective training and resource allocation; improvement in M&E systems through robust frameworks and training; and involvement of communities through school-community interaction. Recommendations also include better resourcing and support for SMCs to carry out their functions more effectively and coordination between the SMCs and the educational authorities should be strengthened so that efforts for UPE are more in tune with national policy and will be more successful.
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The Preferred Communication Channels for Science-Based Health Innovations Among Communities of Mbarara University of Science and Technology and Rwentondo Village, Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-10-04) Reginah Nalunga
The dissemination of scientific research findings to non-scientists can be challenging, owing to several reasons, including scientific jargon, the framing approaches, and the use of irrelevant communication channels. Thus, there is a need to communicate science to the target audience through the preferred communication channels to support full acceptance of the issues being communicated. Informed by the ‘participatory communication theory’, this study sought to identify the preferred communication channels for science-based health innovations among the Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) and Rwentondo communities. The study addresses several significant aspects, such as 1) stakeholders’ preferred communication channels, 2) stakeholders’ motivation for their preferences and 3) the communication challenges that stakeholders meet while seeking out and/or receiving information about science-based health innovations. It was a case study designed study based on qualitative methods that included eight Key informants’ interviews (KIIs) and 12 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) among 76 participants, including MUST staff, students and Rwentondo village residents within the Mbarara district. Dedoose software was used to analyze and interpret data into themes (See Chapter 4 for a detailed explanation). The study found that people living in rural areas prefer to get information about new health ideas from their local radio stations and village health teams. These sources are trusted and provide reliable health information to the community. Urban students and elites prefer websites, conferences, and social media (X formerly Twitter), WhatsApp to access information about science-based health innovations. A preference for a specific communication channel, such as radio, is influenced by the affordability of costs to maintain the channel and credibility. Communication barriers to accessing science-based information include religious and cultural beliefs, gender inequality, the high cost of internet bundles, and illiteracy rates. The study emphasizes the importance of selecting a suitable communication channel to efficiently communicate science-based health innovations.