Access to Finance, Human Resource Competence, and Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Uganda.

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dc.Contributer.SupervisorDr. Kayongo Isaac Newton, PhD (Makerere University Business School) & Mr. Kaala Ruth (Makerere University Business School)
dc.contributor.authorByaruhanga, Hamilton
dc.date.accessioned2026-07-03T12:25:25Z
dc.date.available2026-07-03T12:25:25Z
dc.date.issued2025-10-13
dc.descriptionThis is a master's thesis.
dc.description.abstractThis study investigates the relationship between access to finance, human resource competence, and the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Nakawa division of Uganda. A cross-sectional quantitative survey design was employed, targeting a population of 750 registered SMEs, with a final sample size of 253 determined through proportionate sampling. Data were collected using self-administered structured questionnaires from SME owners or managers. The analysis, conducted using descriptive, correlation, and regression techniques, reveals significant correlations between access to finance, human resource competence, and SME performance. The regression results indicate that both access to finance (β = .299, p < .001) and human resource competence (β = .543, p < .001) positively and significantly impact SME performance, explaining 64.1% of the variance (Adjusted R² = .637). This study contributes to understanding the determinants of SME performance in Uganda, providing insights into how financial access and employee competence affect SME growth and sustainability. Ethical considerations, including confidentiality and anonymity, were strictly adhered to throughout the research process. To enhance SME performance, the study recommends that policymakers and financial institutions create tailored financial products with favorable terms while promoting financial literacy and credit management education for SME owners. Additionally, SMEs should adopt strategic human resource planning that aligns competencies with business objectives to strengthen their competitive edge.
dc.identifier.citationByaruhanga, H. (2025). Access to Finance, Human Resource Competence, and Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Uganda: A Case of SMEs in Nakawa Division. (unpublished master's dissertation). Makerere University Business School, Kampala, Uganda.
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12282/5618
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherMakerere University Business School
dc.rightsAttribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United Statesen
dc.rights.urihttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/us/
dc.titleAccess to Finance, Human Resource Competence, and Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Uganda.
dc.title.alternativeA Case of SMEs in Nakawa Division.
dc.typeThesis
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