Browsing by Author "Ainembabazi Faith"

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    Improving Monitoring Practices in Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (Uwep).
    (Makerere University Business School, 2020-10-14) Ainembabazi Faith
    This study explored the monitoring practices of the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP), a government initiative under the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD), with the aim of promoting women’s economic empowerment through access to financial and technical support. The study focused on three key objectives: (i) to examine the monitoring practices currently used in the program, (ii) to assess the challenges affecting monitoring effectiveness, and (iii) to determine strategies for improving monitoring practices. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected from 123 MGLSD staff directly involved in the implementation and monitoring of UWEP. The findings of the study revealed that the program has adopted several robust monitoring practices, including the use of formal reports, digital tools, site visits, beneficiary feedback mechanisms, and partnerships with third-party organizations. These approaches align with global best practices and contribute to program transparency and accountability. However, the study also uncovered several persistent challenges, such as inadequate resources, limited technical capacity, difficulties in reaching remote areas, stakeholder disengagement, and the negative impact of corruption and delayed reporting. In response to these challenges, the study identified strategic recommendations to enhance monitoring effectiveness. These include increasing the use of digital technologies, providing continuous training for monitoring staff, allocating more resources, strengthening stakeholder engagement, improving reporting systems, and building partnerships with independent oversight bodies. The study concludes that while UWEP has laid a strong foundation for effective monitoring, deliberate efforts are required to address existing bottlenecks to achieve optimal program outcomes. It further recommends future research into the long-term impact of monitoring on women entrepreneurs’ success and the integration of qualitative insights to enrich program evaluation. Ultimately, improving monitoring practices will not only enhance UWEP’s performance but also contribute significantly to Uganda’s broader development and gender equality goals.