Dissertations and Theses (Master's & Doctoral)

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Firm Leadership Style, Innovative Behaviour and Performance of SMES in Kampala District
(Makerere University Business School, 2018-10) Namubiru, Haulah
The purpose of the study was to investigate Firm leadership style, innovative behavior and performance of SMES in Kampala district. The study was guided by the following research objectives: To establish the relationship between the innovative behaviors and performance of SMES, to establish the relationship between firm leadership style behaviors and performance of SMEs and to find out the relationship between the firm leadership, innovative behavior and performance of SMES. A cross sectional and quantitative survey, was used in the selection of 217 SMES from Kampala. Data was collected using questionnaires. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS 17). Results from the finding confirmed that innovative behavior has a significant and positive relationship with performance of SMES, firm leadership has a significant and positive relationship with performance of SMES and Leadership Style and Innovative Behavior accounts for 12.8% (R squared =.128) variance in the performance of SMEs in Kampala. The study therefore recommended that, it is crucial for the SMEs in Kampala District to practice good leadership in their businesses as this will help in motivating their staff to work well and also serve their clients when they are happy, SMEs in Kampala have to be flexible in their operations for example giving time off to staff to think about new better ways of improving their respective activities as this will bring in more innovations in the business and thus improve performance and SMEs also should take into consideration applying new ideas that come on board in their respective businesses as this will help them to be in line with the changing tastes and preferences for the clients.
Effectiveness of agency banking in bank of Africa
(Makerere University Business School, 2020-12-03) Ndyamuhaki, Anita
The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of Agency Banking in Bank of Africa Uganda Ltd. The research opportunity was that agency banking carries several benefits which include reducing congestion, reducing costs of setting up fully fledged bank branches, allowing customers to have full time access to the banking services in convenient and nearby locations. The objectives were to identify costs associated with agency banking in Bank of Africa, to establish the level of customer growth in Bank of Africa and to establish the benefits of Agency banking to Bank of Africa. The study adopted a cross sectional research design and the use of a quantitative approach as the main means of data collection. A sample of 205 employees was selected using simple random sampling approach. Data was collected from primary sources using a questionnaire. Findings show that the respondents agreed that the introduction of agency banking directly contributed to the customers’ reduction of cost when accessing banking services. Secondly, agent banking has greatly influenced the customer growth in Bank of Africa. It was also found that agency banking has directly contributed to better service delivery due to ease of access. On that basis it was recommended that Bank of Africa should fully adopt the agency banking model given its effect on the bottom line, clear policies and procedures, which are subject to regular (preferably bi-annual) review should be developed, Bank of Africa needs to go all in for agency banking which will attract customers to use its service hence expanding its savings base and loan portfolio, and the bank should consider partnership agreements with agents.
Bricolage, Social Networking, Entrepreneurial Competence and Growth of Social Enterprises in Kampala District.
(Makerere University Business School, 2021-01-04) Karagwa, Dorothy
The study was aimed at examining the relationship that exists between bricolage, social networking, entrepreneurial competence and growth of social enterprises. The study was guided by the following research objectives; to establish the relationship between bricolage and growth of social enterprises among Community Based Organizations (CBOs) in Kampala district, to establish the relationship between social networking and growth of social enterprises among Community Based Organizations (CBOs) in Kampala district and to establish the relationship between entrepreneurial competences and growth of social enterprises among Community Based Organizations (CBOs) in Kampala district. A sample of 234 was selected from 558 Community Based Organizations (CBOs) operating in Kampala district using the rotary procedure of simple random sampling. A sample of 222 CBOs responded giving a response rate of 95.68%. A cross sectional research design was adopted which involved descriptive, correlation and regression approaches. The findings indicated the following correlations: that there is a significant positive (r=.228**, p<.01) correlation between bricolage and Social Enterprise Growth, Significant positive (r =.180**, p<.01) correlation between social networking and the Growth of Social Enterprises and a significant positive (r =.376**, p<.01) relationship between entrepreneurial competence and Growth of Social Enterprises. Results from the regression analysis show that bricolage, social networking and entrepreneurial competence predicted up to 38.9% (Adjusted R2 = .389) of the variance in Growth of Social Enterprises. Entrepreneurial competence was a better predictor of social enterprise growth (Beta = .349, P < .05) followed by bricolage (Beta = .108, P < .01) and lastly social networking has minimal contribution (Beta = .026, P < .05)The researcher therefore, recommends that; grants should be provided to strengthen the ability or capacity of social entrepreneurs engaging in innovation to help them run their social enterprises successfully, social enterprises should establish strategic partnerships with other organizations to gain access to new markets which could serve as potential distribution channels for their goods or services, they should also engage in training and capacity building to help their teams develop skills such as higher levels of proactive behaviour in terms of strategic planning, opportunity seeking enabling growth of social enterprises.
Assessment of E-Payments On Business Performance in The Telecom Industry.
(Makerere University Business School, 2021-03-06) Byamukama, Paul
The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of E-Payments on Business Performance in the Telecom Industry. The study was guided by 3 Objectives that were; to establish how online payments affect business performance, to establish the effect of mobile payments on business Performance and to determine the effect of standing order payments on business performance. A mixed cross sectional case study was carried out. The study employed a descriptive and analytical research design to assess whether e-payments enhance business performance in the telecom industry. The study also applied both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data was collected from 232 participants, constituting of employees, heads of department, senior and middle managers and some clients of Roke Telkom (U) Ltd. From the regression results it was observed that the coefficient of determination (Adjusted R Square) is 0.437, this implies that E-Payments accounts for 43.7% of the variance in Business Performance and the subsequent Independent variables online payments, mobile payments and standing order payments were statistically significant to the model with (p<0.05 (=0.005,0.007,0.000)). This means that online payments, Mobile payments and Standing order payments have a significant influence on Business Performance. This led to study recommendations which included that; Roke Telkom management should uphold Mobile payments since they provide simplicity in micropayments to their customers appositive for business performance and furthermore this enhances authenticity in payments, Roke Telekom management should uphold Mobile payments as they provide the instantaneous transfer of funds in emergence situations, Roke Telekom management should uphold Standing order payments ease reconciliation in business operations auxiliary to reduced lining up in banking/serve centres and Roke Telekom management should uphold Standing order payments ease reconciliation in business operations hence enhanced timeliness in business auxiliary to the provision of faster yet lower costs with standing order payments.
Social Capital, Entrepreneurial Passion, Entrepreneurial Competencies and Performance of Women Enterprises in Nakawa Market.
(Makerere University Business School, 2021-09-29) Ninsiima, Eunice
The study examined the relationship between Social Capital, entrepreneurial passion, entrepreneurial competencies and performance of women enterprises in Nakawa Market in Kampala District. The study asserted that women enterprises contribute to economic growth and development however their performance is low. Hence the study was grounded on the following study objectives: to examine the relationship between social capital and Performance of women enterprises, entrepreneurial passion and Performance of women enterprises and finally entrepreneurial competencies and performance of women enterprises. A cross-sectional research design was adopted along with a quantitative research approach. In this study, 217 respondents were sampled; however, only 180 respondents returned the questionnaires representing a response rate of 83%. The data was collected using questionnaires. Quantitative data analysis was done using regression and correlation analysis. Study findings revealed a significant positive relationship between Social Capital, entrepreneurial passion, entrepreneurial competencies and performance of women enterprises in Nakawa Market in Kampala District. Findings revealed that social capital enables women entrepreneurs to obtain access of information from their social networks which reduces several expenses which may be incurred when gathering such information. It was further observed that Entrepreneurial passion creates and encourages an innovative culture which is critical for the performance of women enterprises. Study findings further revealed that entrepreneurial competencies can positively affect the expansion and competitiveness of women enterprises. It was recommended that women entrepreneurs need to ensure that Social capital is given significant consideration to obtain information in a cost efficient and reliable manner. It is also recommended that women entrepreneurs should embrace entrepreneurial passion and competencies while adopting knowledge, attitude and skills along with Intense Positivity and Identity Centrality in their areas of operations.
Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy, Entrepreneurial Alertness, Entrepreneurial Orientation and Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Nakawa Division in Kampala District.
(Makerere University Business School, 2021-09-29) Walulumba, Samuel
Small and Medium Enterprises are considered as drivers of economic growth most especially in developing economies. The study examined the relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy, entrepreneurial alertness, entrepreneurial orientation and performance of SMEs in Nakawa Division in Kampala district. The study was premised on the following research objectives: to examine the relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and performance of SMEs, to examine the relationship between entrepreneurial alertness and performance of SMEs and to examine the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and performance of SMEs. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design along with a quantitative research approach. In this study, the researcher distributed 375 questionnaires of which only 262 questionnaires were returned representing a response rate of 70%. Quantitative data analysis was done using regression and correlation analyses. Study findings revealed a positive relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy, entrepreneurial alertness, entrepreneurial orientation and performance of SMEs in Nakawa Division in Kampala district. Findings revealed that entrepreneurial self-efficacy helps managers to believe in their ability to execute activities which largely improve their performance. It was further observed that entrepreneurial orientation is essential when exploring opportunities, starting businesses as well as improving the competitive position of businesses and enables managers to gain greater efficiency in performance. Study findings further revealed that entrepreneurial alertness puts a business in a more competitive and innovative position and yet, innovation is instrumental in improving performance. It was recommended that managers need high levels of entrepreneurial self-efficacy when planning and allocating organizational resources. Finally, SMEs managers should keep alert on profitable opportunities so that they make informed decisions.
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Support, Ecosystem Accessibility and Productivity of Incubatees in Kampala-Uganda.
(2023) Arinda, Albert
The purpose of the study was to establish the relationship between Ecosystem dimensions and productivity of incubatees in Kampala-Uganda. This study focused on Entrepreneurial ecosystem support and ecosystem accessibility as independent variables. On the other hand, productivity of incubatees was the dependent variable. The study used a cross sectional research design with a sample size of 123 incubatees from 6 business incubators from within Kampala. revealed a significant and positive relationship between entrepreneurial ecosystem support, Ecosystem accessibility and productivity of incubtees. Regression findings revealed that a combination of entrepreneurial ecosystem support and ecosystem accessibility predicated up to 41.9% (adjusted R square = 0.419) of the observed variance in productivity of incubatees. The findings revealed that entrepreneurial ecosystem support enables incubatees to ably identify and develop new markets with ease. Also, Ecosystem accessibility enables incubatees to adopt new technologies in its new product development initiatives. It was recommended that both internal and external incubation support services should be strengthened. Furthermore, the study recommends that the incubation centers should embark on changing the incubatees attitude and mindset towards networking, knowledge about networks and perceived benefits from the network.
Adoption of E-commerce Among Small-Scale Traders with Special Attention to Perceived Benefits and E-Commerce Skills.
(Makerere University Business School, 2023-11-03) Nalwoga, Amina
This study was guided by three main objectives namely, to explore the possible contribution of Perceived benefits in explaining E-commerce adoption, to explore the possible contribution of E-commerce skills in explaining E-commerce adoption, and to explore the interaction effect between Perceived benefits, E-commerce skills and E-commerce adoption. A qualitative approach was employed to collect data from representatives of 14 souvenir shop traders in Kampala. The traders had to have been doing business in the same location for at least three years. Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews and was done inductively. The results indicated that both Perceived benefits and E-commerce skills were considered to be instrumental in E-commerce adoption. Other factors that emerged as important included, cost of E-commerce infrastructure, ease of use, testimonials and the level of security. With the above results, the study can be said to have identified some of the success factors that can explain the adoption of E-commerce among souvenir shop owners.
Entrepreneurial Motivation, Innovation and Resilience Among Tours and Travel Enterprises in Kampala District.
(Makerere University Business School, 2023-11-07) Namugenyi, Jamila
The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between entrepreneurial motivation, innovation and resilience of tours and travel enterprises in Kampala. This study was a cross-sectional research design along with a quantitative research approach. A sample of 103 tours and travel enterprises was used. Data were obtained from business owners and top manager using questionnaire instrument. Validity of the questionnaire was tested using Content Validity Index, while reliability through pretesting and Cronbach Alpha coefficient. Data were analyzed using SPSS (v25) from which frequency tables, correlation and regression analyses were obtained to interpret results. This study found a positive and significant relationship between entrepreneurial motivation and business resilience. The study also established a positive and significant association between innovation and business resilience among tours and travel enterprises. Furthermore, the study found that entrepreneurial motivation and innovation positively and significantly predict business resilience. Moreover, this study ascertained that entrepreneurial motivation is the better predictor of business resilience among tours and travel enterprises in Kampala. The study concludes that motivations or drives which propel entrepreneurial activity are crucial in ensuring business resilience. It further concludes that innovation plays a crucial role in ensuring business resilience. The study recommends tours and travel enterprises engagement in innovation; and entrepreneurship education to stimulate business resilience. This research suggests future researchers to examine relationship between entrepreneurial motivation and business resilience focusing on motivations other than locus of control, risk taking propensity, and achievement oriented; comparative study examining entrepreneurial motivation, innovation and business resilience; and quantitative and qualitative approach examining entrepreneur motivation, innovation and business resilience among tours and travel enterprises in Uganda.
Cognitive Flexibility, Entrepreneurial Innovativeness and Entrepreneurial Action.
(Makerere University Business School, 2023-11-16) Nabirye, Barbara
This study examined the relationship between cognitive flexibility, entrepreneurial innovativeness, and entrepreneurial action among metal fabrication Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Makindye Division, Kampala, Uganda. The study was motivated by the high failure rate of SMEs, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, despite government interventions aimed at supporting the sector. Specifically, the study sought to examine the relationship between cognitive flexibility and entrepreneurial action, determine the relationship between entrepreneurial innovativeness and entrepreneurial action, and establish the combined effect of cognitive flexibility and entrepreneurial innovativeness on entrepreneurial action. The study was guided by the Social Cognitive Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior and employed a quantitative cross-sectional research design. The study population comprised 3,450 metal fabrication SMEs in Makindye Division, from which a sample of 358 SME owners was determined using the Yamane (1973) formula. A total of 250 valid questionnaires were returned, representing a 72% response rate. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS Version 21 through descriptive statistics, factor analysis, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between cognitive flexibility and entrepreneurial action (r = 0.692, p < 0.01), indicating that entrepreneurs who demonstrate greater adaptability, awareness, and self-efficacy are more likely to undertake entrepreneurial actions. Entrepreneurial innovativeness was also found to have a significant positive relationship with entrepreneurial action (r = 0.684, p < 0.01), suggesting that product, market, and technological innovations enhance entrepreneurial initiatives. Regression results further showed that cognitive flexibility (β = 0.411, p < 0.001) and entrepreneurial innovativeness (β = 0.385, p < 0.001) significantly predicted entrepreneurial action, jointly explaining 54.4% of the variation in entrepreneurial action (Adjusted R² = 0.544). The combined effect of the two predictors was also statistically significant (β = 0.843, p = 0.007). The study concludes that both cognitive flexibility and entrepreneurial innovativeness are critical determinants of entrepreneurial action among metal fabrication SMEs. It recommends that SME owners, business development agencies, and government institutions strengthen entrepreneurial training programs that enhance adaptive thinking, creativity, innovation, and opportunity recognition to improve entrepreneurial action, business resilience, and long-term competitiveness.
Entrepreneurial Growth of Micro-Enterprises During the Covid-19 Lockdowns.
(Makerere University Business School, 2023-12-01) Amongin, Juliet
The purpose of the study was to examine entrepreneurial growth of micro enterprises during the Covid- 19 Lockdowns with Soroti City as a case study. The researcher used a cross sectional survey alongside the mixed research design. This involved integrating the quantitative and qualitative analytical procedures in the study and conclusions were done after the data collection. Data was collected in the month of November 2022. The sample size was 346 micro enterprises and the selection was done by convenient sampling within Soroti City. Out of the 346 interviews, only 276 were considered, putting the response rate to 80%. Personal interviews using structured and semi-structured interview guide to collect quantitative data and qualitative data respectively. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS and while content analysis was done for qualitative data. The findings of the study revealed a significant and positive relationship between access to capital and entrepreneurial growth of Soroti City micro enterprise during the COVID-19 lockdowns (r=.536, P<.01). This implies that access to capital is very substantial to the growth of Soroti City micro enterprises. In addition, there was also a significant and positive relationship between market expansion and entrepreneurial growth of Soroti City micro enterprise during the COVID-19 lockdowns (R=.809, P<.01). Finally, the findings of the study equally revealed that, there was a significant and positive relationship between innovation and entrepreneurial growth of Soroti City micro enterprise during the COVID-19 lockdowns (R=.540, P<.01). The regression results showed that access to capital, market expansion and innovation were significant predictors of entrepreneurial growth during the lockdowns explaining 55.9% variance. From the study, it was recommended that to achieve entrepreneurial growth during the time of business shocks, micro enterprises should build business models to help them survive during business shocks and crises.
Adaptive Resilience, Resource Mobilization and Entrepreneurship Growth in The Post Covid Era, In Nakawa Division.
(Makerere University Business School, 2024-08-09) Nabakka, Joanita
The purpose for this study was to examine the relationship between adaptive resilience in resource mobilization and Entrepreneurship Growth in the post Covid 19 era, in Nakawa division. Guided by the Resource dependence theory (RDT), the study adopted a cross sectional design using a quantitative approach. With a study population of 200 registered members of Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association Limited and sample of 132 respondents selected randomly. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Content validity index (CVI) was used to establish validity and Cronbach’s coefficient tested reliability where both validity and reliability were achieved since they scored more than 0.7. The study used the statistical package for social sciences version 26 (SPSS 26) for data entry, processing and analysis. Results confirm that business owners were trying their best to do resource mobilization, a fairly good state of resource utilization, doubts or uncertainties‟ surrounding resources integration, gaps in the state of adaptive resilience, businesses had attained positive adaption, a fairly good level of acquisition of learning, for most businesses, there were some resources put aside for future resilience, uncertainty regarding the revenue generation, little value addition, limited expansion of businesses, customer growth but limited. There was a negative relationship between adaptive resilience and Entrepreneurship Growth in the post Covid era, in Nakawa division (r= -.090, P> 0.05). There was a positive and significant relationship between resource mobilization and Entrepreneurship Growth in the post Covid era, in Nakawa division (r=.231*, P<0.01). Adaptive resilience and resource mobilization predict 5.4% of the variance in Entrepreneurship Growth in the post Covid era, in Nakawa division (Adjusted R Square=.054). The study also revealed that the model was fitting the relationship and was significant (F= 4.324, Sig. =.015b). Resource mobilization (Beta=.252, P< 0.01) was the only significant predictor of the variance in Entrepreneurship Growth in the post Covid era, in Nakawa division. Adaptive Resilience (beta=-.130, p>0.01) was an insignificant predictor of Entrepreneurship Growth in the post Covid era, in Nakawa division. The study has provided evidence that adaptive resilience tends to contribute negatively to Entrepreneurship Growth in the post Covid era, in Nakawa division based on the evidence from the current study. With resource mobilization in terms of resource identification, resource utilization and resource integration, the Entrepreneurship Growth in the post Covid era, in Nakawa division can be better guaranteed. Overall, an inverse relationship has been observed between adaptive resilience and resource mobilization on Entrepreneurship Growth in the post Covid era, in Nakawa division. The following recommendations are made; there is need for all women business owners to improve on resource identification in terms of where to get cheap capital, identify the right people to employ and so on. There is need for ways to improve on resource utilization in terms of reduce wastage in businesses, ensure optimum usage of all resources, use business resources in a way that adds value to the business, put resources to the best use possible. There is need for improved resource integration in terms of using all resources in the best ways possible, know when to reallocate resources for the entire business benefit and so on
Strategic Flexibility, Resourcefulness, And Business Sustainability.
(Makerere University Business School, 2024-10-18) Moreen, Tumusiime
The study was carried out with the purpose of establishing the relationship between strategic flexibility, resourcefulness, and business sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises in Nakawa division. The study was guided by the following objectives to examine; the relationship between strategic flexibility and business sustainability of SMEs, the relationship between resourcefulness and business sustainability of SMEs, and the combined effect of strategic flexibility and resourcefulness on the business sustainability of SMEs in Nakawa Division. The study was based on a cross sectional research design and quantitative research approach out of 280 registered SMEs in Nakawa Division and, a sample of 162 SMEs was drawn. Primary data was collected using questionnaires. Data from the field was compiled, sorted, edited for analysis using SPSS version 25. The correlation results indicated significant positive association between resourcefulness, sustainability and business sustainability. Regression results confirmed that a combination of Strategic Flexibility and Resourcefulness has a positive effect on business sustainability but the effect is not significant. However, findings indicated that strategic flexibility and Resourcefulness significantly predict business sustainability of SMEs in Nakawa Division. Based on the findings, the study recommends that SMEs should develop flexible strategic plans that allow for quick adjustments in response to market shifts and emerging opportunities, avoid rigid, long-term plans that may hinder adaptation as well as regular review and update strategies to ensure alignment with current realities as well as allocate resources in a balanced and adaptable manner.
Financial digitalization, financial resilience and financial well-being of slum households. Acase of Bwaise slum, Kawempe division, Kampala district
(Makerere University Business School, Uganda, 2024-11-11) Achieng, Ritah Mary
The Study Emphasizes The Significance Of Financial Well-Being On A Worldwide Scale And Illustrates The Difficulties That Kampala’s Slum Households Confront, Such As Economic Inequality, A Limited Financial Knowledge, Constrained Access To Digital Financial Services. With An Emphasis On Kampala's Bwaise Slum, The Analysis Sought To Look Into The Connections Amongst Financial Digitization, Resilience, And Well-Being Among Slum Households. The Study Targeted Homes In The Bwaise Slum Using A Cross-Sectional Survey Technique That Made Use Of Quantitative Tools. The 379 Representative Houses From Bwaise I, II, And III That Were Proportionately Chosen And Interviewers Were Chosen Using A Stratified Simple Random Selection Procedure. Interviews And Self-Administered Questionnaires Were Used In The Data-Gathering Method To Account For Illiterate Respondents.
Technology Adoption, Road Infrastructure Quality, Institutional Support and Youth Self Employment in The Agricultural Sector in Uganda.
(Makerere University Business School, 2024-11-16) Kagaba, Bonny
The purpose of the study was to establish the relationship between technology adoption, Road Infrastructure Quality, institutional support and youth self-employment in the Agricultural Sector in Uganda. The study’s specific objectives included; to establish the relationship between technology adoption and youth self- employment; to establish the relationship between Road Infrastructure Quality and youth self-employment; and to establish the relationship between institutional support and youth self-employment. The researcher undertook the study using cross-sectional research. A simple random sampling was used. Primary data was obtained from respondents using self-administered questionnaires. The study population consisted of 1025 youth. A sample of 278 registered youth was arrived at using the statistical table of Krejcie and Morgan (1970). The Quantitative data collected was compiled, sorted, classified and entered in a computer. Data analysis was done using the statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). A correlation approach was used to establish the relationship between the variables. Regression analysis was also used. The findings established that there is a positive significant relationship between technology adoption and youth self- employment (r = .603**, Beta = .336, p<.01). There is a positive significant relationship between Road Infrastructure Quality and youth self- employment (r = .578**, Beta = .313, p<.01). There is a positive significant relationship between institutional support and youth self-employment (r = .570**, Beta = .167, p<.01). It was concluded that Technology adoption and youth self- employment were noted to be significantly and positively related. Technology adoption influences youth self-employment. The findings substantiate that technology adoption was a vital part of youth self-employment in the Agricultural sector. Road Infrastructure Quality influences youth self-employment. This is achieved through creating easy access to the market for the agricultural products produced by the youth. The study recommended the District Local Authority in order to support youth self-employment and agribusiness, should subsidize agricultural machinery and inputs, ensure agricultural information availability, allow access to improved systems of mechanization, provide training to the youth in relevant agribusiness enterprises and make improvements in the handling and storage of produce. The study further recommended that there is need to ensure that the road network in the district is properly maintained and set up community silos for storage of agricultural produce.
Technology Attributes, User Awareness and Market Acceptability of Clean Cooking Technologies Among Foodservice Enterprises in Kampala.
(Makerere University Business School, 2025-10-01) Nakibuuka, Hafswa
Efforts to promote clean cooking technologies in Uganda continue to face significant challenges, with market acceptance rates remaining relatively low, particularly among food service enterprises. This study investigates the influence of technology attributes and user awareness on the market acceptability of clean cooking technologies among women- and youth-owned food service enterprises in Kampala. Specifically, the study aimed to: (1) characterize clean cooking technologies used by these enterprises; (2) assess the association between technology attributes and market acceptability; (3) examine the association between user awareness and market acceptability; and (4) explore the combined effect of technology attributes and user awareness on market acceptability. The study used a cross-sectional design and data was collected between April and May 2025 using a structured survey questionnaire. A total sample of 400 enterprises using clean cooking technologies was randomly selected from a target population of 16,032 food service enterprises operating within Kampala District. The findings revealed that both technology specific attributes and user awareness had a significant positive relationship with market acceptability. Furthermore, their combined effect explained 67% of the variance in market acceptability, suggesting that other factors beyond these two also play a role. The study recommends that government and development partners should strengthen user awareness through community-based initiatives, such as women-led stove installation workshops and public demonstrations to boost adoption. Producers should also ensure that clean cooking technologies are aligned with user needs. However, the study was limited to food service enterprises in Kampala District, which restricts the generalizability of the findings to the rest of Uganda. Additionally, it employed a purely quantitative approach. Future research should consider using mixed methods to gain deeper insights into the drivers of market acceptability.
Entrepreneurial Education, Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy, Entrepreneurial Intentions and Entrepreneurial Action Among University Students.
(Makerere University Business School, 2025-10-31) Kitamirike, Charles
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between “entrepreneurial education, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, entrepreneurial intentions and entrepreneurial action” among University Students in Uganda with a case of Makerere University Business School. The investigation responds to the persistent challenge in Uganda of strong student entrepreneurial intentions that often fail to translate into tangible start-up activity, and so evaluates which educational and psychological factors predict action. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was administered to 181 sampled BESBM graduates; 170 completed questionnaires were analysed (response rate = 94%). Data were analysed using Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression in SPSS. Correlation results show positive, significant associations between entrepreneurial education and action (r = .462, p < .01), entrepreneurial self-efficacy and action (r = .430, p < .01), and intentions and action (r = .403, p < .01). Regression analysis (N = 170) indicates that entrepreneurial education (β = .261, p = .001), entrepreneurial self-efficacy (β = .240, p = .002), and entrepreneurial intentions (β = .184, p = .019) are all positive and significant predictors of entrepreneurial action; the model explains approximately 27.3% of the variance in action (adjusted R² = .273). Findings imply that strengthening experiential components of entrepreneurship programmes and targeted interventions to raise students’ entrepreneurial self-efficacy will more reliably convert intentions into action. The study concludes with specific, evidence-linked recommendations for curriculum design, mentorship and institutional support to increase graduate entrepreneurial engagement. It was therefore recommended that universities strengthen experiential learning, mentorship, and curriculum design to enhance entrepreneurial engagement. Further research using longitudinal designs was recommended to explore causal relationships over time.
Member Economic Participation, Corporate Governance and Cooperative Sustainability in Luwero District.
(Makerere University Business School, 2025-11-05) Nakyanzi, Gertrude
Cooperatives are widely recognized as essential drivers of inclusive economic growth, poverty reduction, and community empowerment worldwide (International Labour Organization [ILO], 2021). In Uganda, cooperatives remain a key driver for mobilizing resources, promoting entrepreneurship, and enhancing livelihoods, particularly in rural areas (Uganda Cooperative Alliance [UCA], 2023). Despite their significant role, many cooperatives in Uganda face sustainability challenges linked to limited member participation, weak governance structures, and low financial performance (Kyazze et al., 2017; Rosnika & Mirna, 2022). Luwero District currently has 109 registered cooperatives, of which 68 are active and 41 inactive, some of which have collapsed completely (Luwero District Cooperative Performance Report, 2023). This situation raises concern about the long-term sustainability of cooperatives in the district, particularly regarding the extent to which member economic participation and corporate governance influence their survival and performance. This study therefore examined the relationship between member economic participation, corporate governance, and cooperative sustainability in Luwero District, Uganda. A cross-sectional research design and a quantitative approach were adopted, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 54 cooperative chairpersons out of the sample size of 58 registered and active cooperative societies. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses were employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between corporate governance and cooperative sustainability (r = 0.630, p < 0.01), while the relationship between member economic participation and sustainability was weaker (r = 0.347, p < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that both independent variables jointly explained 37.4% of the variance in Cooperative Sustainability (Adjusted R² = 0.374), Corporate Governance (β = 0.612, p < 0.01) significantly predicted cooperative sustainability, whereas member economic participation (β = 0.034, p > 0.05) did not. The study concluded that strengthening leadership and governance mechanisms, improve and enforce transparency and accountability systems and enhancing member participation incentives, are key to improving the sustainability of cooperatives in Luwero District. It also recommended stakeholder collaboration to promote long-term cooperative growth and resilience.
Innovative Business Models and Scalability of Women-Led Clean Energy Enterprises in The Clean Cooking Sub-Sector in Kampala.
(Makerere University Business School, 2025-11-12) Nakawuki, Regina Geraldine
Access to clean cooking technologies remains a critical global challenge, with over 2.4 billion people relying on traditional biomass fuels that cause severe health and environmental impacts. Women entrepreneurs play a vital role in expanding clean energy access in sub Saharan Africa, yet they continue to face significant barriers including limited access to finance, weak market linkages, and insufficient technical skills. In Uganda, despite numerous initiatives to support women in the clean cooking value chain, many women led clean energy enterprises (CEEs) remain unable to scale beyond pilot or local operations. This study examined the role of innovative business models in scaling women led CEEs in Kampala’s clean cooking sub sector. Grounded in Dynamic Capabilities Theory and Diffusion of Innovations, the research focused on three core business model components financing models, distribution models, and community based approaches and their association with scalability, measured through business growth, market expansion, and customer reach. A cross sectional quantitative survey was conducted with 252 women led CEEs in Kampala, using a structured questionnaire to collect data on business model practices and scalability indicators. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses were employed to examine both bivariate relationships and the predictive influence of the independent variables on scalability. The findings revealed that equity financing was positively and significantly associated with scalability, highlighting its value as flexible, non-repayable capital that supports innovation and growth. In contrast, debt and grant financing showed statistically significant negative associations with scalability, suggesting that rigid repayment terms and conditionalities may hinder enterprise development. Distribution models including strategic partnerships and diverse market channels emerged as a significant positive predictor of scalability, though their impact was constrained by infrastructural and logistical challenges. Accordingly, the study recommends: expanding gender responsive equity financing mechanisms; strengthening public private partnerships to enhance distribution infrastructure; redesigning debt and grant instruments to align with enterprise realities; and implementing targeted training, mentorship, and digital tools to support entrepreneurial capability. Gender sensitive policy reforms are also essential to address systemic barriers. By providing empirical evidence on how specific business model components influence scalability, this research contributes to both theory and practice. It offers actionable insights for policymakers, investors, and development practitioners committed to advancing inclusive and sustainable energy transitions in Uganda and similar urban contexts.
Founder Characteristics, Entrepreneurial Passion and Success of Incubated Businesses in Kampala District, Uganda.
(Makerere University Business School, 2025-11-21) Nsimbe, Akiram
The ongoing growth of business incubators in Uganda has not fully resolved persistent challenges with success rates among incubated businesses. This research explores how founder characteristics like education and experience and the presence of entrepreneurial passion collectively influence the success of enterprises nurtured in Kampala's incubation programs, using the Dynamic Capabilities Theory as a guide. A cross-sectional, quantitative approach was applied, sampling 113 incubates via stratified random techniques. Primary data were obtained using structured surveys, analyzed using the latest SPSS software, and examined through descriptive and inferential analytics. The results uncovered a significant positive relationship between founder characteristics particularly education, experience, and gender and business success indicators such as new product development, financial performance, and market entry (r = .473, p < .01). Entrepreneurial passion measured through inventing, founding, and developing passion showed an even stronger correlation with business success (r = .746, p < .01). Furthermore, regression analysis indicated that the combination of founder characteristics and entrepreneurial passion explained 34.4% of the variance in incubated business success. Entrepreneurial passion emerged as the most influential predictor. The study comes to a conclusion that, both founder attributes and entrepreneurial passion play essential roles in determining the success of incubated enterprises. It recommends that incubators prioritize the assessment and development of these traits through tailored mentorship, training, and selection processes.

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