Browsing by Author "Makabayi, Jacinta"

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    Assessing Financial Sustainability of Real People Financial Services Uganda Limited.
    (Makerere University Business School, 2025-10-20) Makabayi, Jacinta
    This study explored the financial sustainability practices of Real People Financial Services Uganda Ltd, a non-deposit-taking microfinance institution, in response to growing concerns about the long-term viability of such entities in Uganda’s challenging financial environment. The research was driven by the need to understand how effectively microfinance institutions implement sustainability strategies and navigate common barriers in accessing affordable capital. The study was guided by three objectives: to examine the financial sustainability practices in place, to identify the major challenges hindering financial sustainability, and to assess the strategies adopted by the institution to improve its financial sustainability position. A descriptive research design was employed, utilizing a quantitative approach to collect and analyze data. The study targeted the entire staff population of Real People Financial Services Uganda Ltd, from which a sample of 48 respondents was selected using a census method. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire featuring both closed and open-ended items. Out of the 48 distributed questionnaires, 43 were fully completed and returned, yielding a response rate of approximately 89.6 percent. The findings revealed that employees had a solid understanding of financial sustainability principles and perceived management to be making efforts to maintain operational stability and effective cost control. However, challenges related to accessing long-term, affordable capital, high interest rates, limited collateral, and regulatory burdens were widely acknowledged by respondents. Moreover, the study found that while some strategies had been implemented to improve sustainability, such as enhancing credit risk management and adopting digital tools, others like alternative funding exploration and revenue diversification were still at early stages or inconsistently applied. The study concluded that although Real People Financial Services Uganda Ltd has made commendable efforts to institutionalize sustainability practices, significant constraints still hamper its progress. Recommendations included improving staff engagement in investor relations, strengthening risk assessment systems, and investing in training around capital sourcing and regulatory compliance to increase the institution’s appeal to funders and investors.