Community Empowerment, Stakeholder Commitment and Sustainability of Rural Water Projects in Uganda. A Case of Bushenyi District.
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Date
2025-06-12
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Makerere University Business School
Abstract
This study explored the relationship between community empowerment, stakeholder commitment, and the sustainability of rural water projects in Uganda, focusing on Bushenyi District. The research had four objectives: to assess the link between community empowerment and project sustainability, examine the connection between community empowerment and stakeholder commitment, explore the relationship between stakeholder commitment and project sustainability, and determine the mediating role of stakeholder commitment in the relationship between community empowerment and sustainability. A cross-sectional survey design with a quantitative approach was used, with data collected through questionnaires. From a population of 2,099 water projects, a sample size of 336 was determined using Yamane’s (1973) formula. Simple random sampling was employed, and data were analysed using SPSS and Med Graph through correlations, regression, and mediation analysis. The correlation results revealed a significant and positive association between community empowerment and sustainability of rural water projects. The results also revealed a significant and positive association between community empowerment and stakeholder commitment. The results also revealed a positive significant relationship between stakeholder commitment and sustainability of rural water projects. The model explains 48.9% of the variance in project sustainability (Adjusted R² = 0.489), suggesting that 51.1% of the variance is due to other factors not included in the study. Mediation analysis revealed that stakeholder commitment partially mediates the relationship between community empowerment and sustainability of rural water projects in Bushenyi District. This indicates that while community empowerment directly influences project sustainability, part of this effect is channelled through stakeholder commitment, underscoring its crucial role in enhancing project outcomes. The study recommends initiators of rural water projects should give the community an opportunity to air their views hence creating a stepping foundation for sustainability of rural water projects in Bushenyi District. Stakeholders should be continuously involved, recognized, and supported through clear communication, capacity-building, and performance feedback systems. Limitations of the study include its cross-sectional design, which restricts causal interpretations, and the exclusive reliance on self-reported data, which may introduce bias. Future research should consider longitudinal approaches and qualitative insights to deepen understanding of the dynamics involved.
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This is a master's thesis.
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Citation
Musinguzi, E K. (2025) Community Empowerment, Stakeholder Commitment and Sustainability of Rural Water Projects in Uganda. A Case of Bushenyi District. (unpublished master's dissertation). Makerere University Business School, Kampala, Uganda.