Research Articles

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Analysis of Information and Communication Technologies in the Management of Climate Change Impacts in Uganda
(International Journal of Information Technology and Business Management, 2017) Magolo, John F.; Basheka, C. Benon; Picho, Epiphany Odubuker
Well-tested and implemented Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can and should be an integral part of climate change impacts management (mitigation, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation). ICTs can play an important role in the collection, retrieval, dissemination, and storage of information, to ensure that it is available to those who need it, at the time and place it is needed. However, access to adequate infrastructure is a prerequisite for the adoption and use of ICTs in risk reduction and disaster response coordination. The implementation of ICTs for climate change impacts management in Uganda is uneven among regions, and the lack of access to modern and up-to-date ICT infrastructure has severely hampered the effectiveness of a disaster management authority to competently respond to identified hazards. This therefore calls for increase in the amount of ICT infrastructure information gathering, hazard and vulnerability assessments, early warning alerting, quick response capability, and the coordination of rehabilitation activities both locally and nationally.
Communication competence and staff performance: evidence from Muni University, Uganda
(European Journal of Management and Marketing Studies, 2017) Pacuto, Ngos Solomon; Ayebale, Dan
The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between communication competences and staff performance in the unique context of Muni University. In the study, a descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used with a sample size of 109. Purposive, stratified and systematic sampling techniques were used to select respondents. Data was analyzed through frequencies and percentages, Spearman rank order correlation, coefficient of determination, and regression. There was a relationship between the dependent and independent variable.
Contract Management and Performance of Road Maintenance Projects: The Case of Arua Municipality
(Universal Journal of Management, 2016) Aluonzi, Godfrey; Oluka, N. Pross; Nduhura, Alex
This purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between contract management and performance of road maintenance projects in Arua Municipality. A cross-sectional survey design was used, with data collected from a sample of 102 respondents using questionnaire survey and interviews. The study found a significant relationship between contract administration, relationship management and contract closure and performance of the maintenance projects. We conclude that improved payment mechanism, controlled contract variations, improved communication channels and dispute management improve project performance. The study recommends that the government of Uganda should increase the budget for road works; internal audit function be strengthened, contract management meetings be regularly held and contract specifications clearly articulated and adhered to; and technical staff should be trained in contract management and stringent performance measures provided as controls to adequately punish errant officials. These findings offer a useful foundation in the road sector for policy and practical improvement in Uganda.
Decision Making and Staff Commitment in the School of Finance and Banking in Kigali - Rwanda: A Pragmatic Study
(Global Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, 2015) Kiiza, Pascal; Picho, Epiphany Odubuker
The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between Decision Making and Staff Commitment in the School of Finance and Banking in Kigali Rwanda. A cross-sectional survey design was used with the target sample size of 97 out of 130 parent population. The total number of questionnaires that were filled and returned was 78, giving a high response rate of 80.5 percent. Due to the heterogeneous nature of the population, the researchers used stratified sampling and random sampling. Descriptive analysis involving frequencies, percentages and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient for inferential statistics were carried out. The correlation between the two variables was weak at 0.425, and significant at 0.000 value. The results were linearly correlated and this implies that staff commitment is positively correlated with participation in decision making; whenever employees are involved in decision making process, they are likely to be more committed and vice versa.
Delegation and Staff Commitment in the School of Finance and Banking in Kigali, Rwanda: An Empirical Study
(Global Journal of Commerce & Management Perspective, 2015) Kiiza, Pascal; Picho, Epiphany Odubuker
The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between Delegation of Authority and Staff Commitment in the School of Finance and Banking in Kigali, Rwanda. A cross-sectional survey design was used with the target sample size of 97 out of 130 parent population. The total number of questionnaires that were filled and returned was 78, giving a high response rate of 80.5 percent. Due to the heterogeneous nature of the population, the researchers used stratified sampling and random sampling. Descriptive analysis involving frequencies, percentages and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient for inferential statistics were carried out. The correlation between the two variables was weak at .287, and significant at .011 value. The results were linearly correlated and this implies that staff commitment is positively correlated with Delegation of Authority; whenever employees are delegated authority, they are likely to be more committed and vice versa.
Developing a construct validity under Herzberg’s theory for motivation of employees in the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) – Uganda: an exploration of motivational factors affecting agricultural research organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa
(International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 2015) Lukwago, George; Basheka, Benon; Picho, Epiphany Odubuker
An exploratory study has been undertaken to understand possible factors related to motivation of researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa’s (SSA) agricultural research context. This is part of a large study aimed to develop construct validity under Herzberg’s theory for motivation of employees in the National Agricultural Research Organization in Uganda. In this exploratory study, publications related to motivational factors in SSA agricultural research systems have been reviewed. Institutionalization of incentives, service conditions, job security and salary packages have been identified as key hygiene factors. On the other hand recognition, meaningful work, flexibility, career development, self-drive, freedom and work overload are critical motivators.
Dust ion acoustic double layers in a 4-component dusty plasma
(Springer, 2018-02-22) Habumugisha, Isaac; Anguma, Simon Katrini; Jurua, Edward; Nazziwa, L.
In this paper, we study the Dust ion acoustic (DIA) solitons in an unmagnetised dusty plasma comprising of cold dust particles, electrons that follow Cairns distribution, warm inertial ions, and ion-beams of equal mass, using arbitrary amplitude technique. Our results show that it is possible for both rarefactive (negative) and compressive (positive) DIA solitary waves to coexist. Interestingly, double layers could not limit the existence of solitary waves. These results can therefore help to understand the mechanism for decelerating protons in the accretion flow onto neutron stars in a binary system at radial distances where the effect of magnetic field can be neglected.
The economic contribution of artisanal and small-scale gold mining in Uganda: a case of Mubende and Buhweju districts
(International Journal of Technology and Management, 2016-06) Picho, Epiphany Odubuker; Nabaasa, Herbert; Ngaka, Willy
Small-scale mining is often used interchangeably with artisanal mining, with acceptance that there is no consistent global definition for the terms. Broadly, smallscale mining refers to the exploitation of marginal or small deposits of minerals by individuals, groups or organizations with minimal or no mechanization. Smallscale mining (SM) is one of the emerging economic activities providing alternative livelihoods globally with more than 13 million artisanal and small-scale miners and about 150 million people indirectly reliant on it (ILO, 2003). In Uganda, Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining is on the increase and is largely a poverty-driven activity used as a coping mechanism with thousands of local communities currently engaged in the mining practice (MEMD, 2011). The communities in the mining sites live in deplorable sanitary conditions, use toxic chemicals such as mercury in the gold extraction and have severely degraded fragile ecosystems that support their livelihoods (NEMA, 2012).
The Effect of ICT on Households’ Food Security in Uganda. Evidence from Acholi Sub Region in Northern Uganda
(International Journal of Technology and Management, 2018-06-30) Picho, Epiphany Odubuker; Namubiru, Margaret; Ngaka, Willy
According to the Global Food Security Report (2017), about 108 million people are food insecure all over the world, and the situation is likely to worsen. It is estimated that by 2050, 9.1 billion people worldwide will be food insecure (FAO-UN, 2010). ICT is known for promoting food security in rural areas through access to information (Olaniyi, 2016). An investigation of ICT usage on households’ food security is therefore paramount. The study aimed at investigating the effect of ICT utilization on households’ food security in Uganda, with evidence from Acholi Sub region. The study employed a cross- sectional and descriptive research design through quantitative and qualitative research approach. Data was obtained with the help of 380 questionnaires, Focused discussion guide, documentary review and observation checklist. Results shows that on average 18.2% of the households in Acholi sub-region use ICT tools to access food security information while 31.9% do not use ICT tools for food security information. It was also found that the majority of the households’ access information through the available Local FM radios followed by mobile phones. Findings also indicate that utilization of ICT tools in accessing food security information improves households’ food security status by 38%. The study recommends more development of ICT infrastructure in the region to increase access to information for households’ food security.
Effect of income dynamics on household food security in rural communities , evidence from Uganda
(International Journal of Technology and Management, 2019) Namubiru, Margaret; Ngaka, Willy; Odubuker, Epiphany Picho
The Objective of the study was to investigate the effect of income dynamics on households’ food security in rural economies with evidence from Uganda. The study was completely a desk review following a descriptive research design. First, the study reviewed empirical studies on income dynamics; and the effect of income on households’ food security in rural areas. This was followed by an analysis of similar variables in Uganda using data from the Uganda National Household Surveys (2005/2006, 2009/2010, 2012/2013 and 2016/2017). Analytical findings indicated that while rural income is increasing, change in household income fluctuates significantly. Male headed households earn more income than female headed households. Moreover, income is higher in literate households compared to illiterate households. The study further found that while the subsistence sector is reducing in absolute terms, it remains the main source of income to rural households. Additionally, households’ source of income varies from time to time. Study findings on household food security indicated that change in households’ income significantly affect household food security through households’ food expenditure. Change in household expenditure influence access to food, dietary diversity, and consumption. Further observations suggest that external shocks like inflation highly affect household food security in rural areas. The findings further state that rural agricultural programs have a positive correlation with income and household food security. In conclusion, while household income affects household food security in rural areas, the effect significantly vary with income changes. The study recommends for rural income stabilization strategies including economic diversification and commercialization of agriculture.
The Effect of Involvement on Staff Performance in Yumbe District Local Government – Uganda
(Global Journal of Commerce & Management Perspective, 2016) Ijosiga, Abdul Wahid; Picho, Epiphany Odubuker
The study set to determine the effect of involvement on staff performance in Yumbe District Local Government, Uganda. It adopted Cross–Sectional Correlational Survey design. The design employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches. From the sample size of 186 respondents selected, a total of 132 questionnaires were returned, 10 respondents were interviewed, representing a response rate of 76%. According to Blaikie (2009), samples with response rate above 50% are regarded as good. The researchers used both descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze the data from the questionnaires. Results revealed that involvement of staff and performance had a weak co-relation but, statistically significant (a coefficient 0.334 at 0.05 significance level), in Yumbe District Local Government in Uganda.
Effective Communication and Staff Commitment in the School of Finance and Banking in Kigali - Rwanda: An Experimental Study
(Global Journal of Commerce & Management Perspective, 2015) Kiiza, Pascal; Picho, Epiphany Odubuker
The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between Effective Communication and Staff Commitment in the School of Finance and Banking in Kigali - Rwanda. A cross-sectional survey design was used with the target sample size of 97 out of 130 parent population. The total number of questionnaires that were filled and returned was 78, giving a high response rate of 80.5 percent. Due to the heterogeneous nature of the population, the researchers used stratified sampling and random sampling. Descriptive analysis involving frequencies, percentages and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient for inferential statistics were carried out. The correlation between the two variables was weak at 0.355, and significant at 0.001 value. The results were linearly correlated and this implied that Effective Communication is positively correlated with staff commitment; whenever employers are effective in communication, staff are likely to be more committed and vice versa.
Efficacy of institutional framework in managing wild life trade in Uganda : preliminary evidence
(Makerere Business Journal, 2018) Picho, Epiphany Odubuker; Musinguzi, James; Basheka, Benon C.
Purpose: The aim of this paper is to report preliminary evidence on evaluating the efficacy of the institutional framework in the management of trade in wildlife products in Uganda. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive cross sectional survey design. Analysis was done thematically and content for qualitative (interview) data and archival data respectfully; and also SPSS for quantitative data analysis from a sample 169 subjects. The hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression. Findings: The institutional framework for managing wildlife trade in Uganda is weak. The study also found that efficacious institutional framework and management tools of planning and control have a predictive force. Originality/Value: This paper answers the pertinent question of whether the management of wildlife in Uganda in the propensity to use and patronize wildlife trade is efficacious. The paper provides the initial evidence of the application of institutional and broken windows theories as relevant frameworks for understanding management of wildlife trade.
Employees involvement as agent of change management and performance of local governments in eastern Uganda: an empirical study.
(International Journal of Technology and Management, 2020-12) Picho, Odubukare Epiphany; Aupal, Wilfred Kokas; Ngaka, Willy; Oleja, Charles
Performance of Local Governments is key in delivering essential services to the citizens of the Country. Citizen get health, education for children thus developing the human resource, roads to enable movement of people and goods to markets, and technical assistance for farmers. However, the citizens are not getting the appropriate levels of services: evidenced by poor health facilities, low grades in schools, impassable or no roads despite Government and donor funding. The question, therefore, is; how can Local Governments improve performance in service delivery? The study investigated the relationship between employee involvement and performance of Local Governments in Eastern Uganda. A cross-sectional study design was used involving both quantitative and qualitative approaches with a sample of 48. Stratified, simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the respondents. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics of Spearman Product Moment Correlation and regression. The findings indicated a strong positive relationship (r=0.724**) between employees involvement and performance of Local Governments. Employees involvement accounted for 55% (Adjusted R2 = 0.550) of variance in performance of Local Governments in Eastern Uganda. The study concludes that there is a strong positive relationship between employees involvement and performance of Local Governments. It is recommended that the managers and practitioners of Local Governments in Eastern Uganda should involve employees as change agents so as to improve performance.
Feedback and staff performance in Yumbe district Local Government –Uganda
(Global Journal of Commerce & Management Perspective, 2016) Ijosiga, Abdul Wahid; Picho, Epiphany Odubuker
The study set to establish how feedback affects staff performance in Yumbe District, Uganda. The study adopted Cross –Sectional Correlational Survey design. In the design the researchers employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. From the sample size of 186 respondents selected, a total of 132 questionnaires were returned, 10 respondents were interviewed, representing a response rate of 76%. According to Blaikie (2009), samples with response rate above 50% are regarded as good. The researchers used both descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze the data from the questionnaires. Results revealed that feedback to the staff and performance had a strong correlation, and statistically significant (a coefficient 0. 641** at 0.05 significance level), in Yumbe District Local Government in Uganda.
Financial accessibility and poverty reduction in Northern Uganda, Lango Sub-Region
(Research Publish, 2019-04-01) Marus, Eton; Odubuker, Picho Epiphany; Ejang, Mary; Ogwel, Benard Patrick; Mwosi, Fabian
Access to a well-functioning financial system can economically and socially empower individuals and in particular poor people, allowing them to better integrate into the economy of their countries and to actively contribute to their development and protect themselves against economic shocks. The paper examined the contributions of financial accessibility in supporting poverty reduction in northern Uganda. A cross sectional study design was adopted. The data was collected by use of structured and closed ended questionnaire. The findings revealed that financial institutions had not done much to reach the poor, which limits their productivity capacity and capacity to acquire productive assets. While there are isolated pockets of poverty reduction as expressed by participants’ ability to own personal assets and easily manage their dependency burdens, a few individuals have access to better health facilities. The strides to promote financial accessibility are highly commendable, though poverty remains problematic even among those who have access to financial resources. The paper therefore recommends that financial institutions should endeavor to offer financial management training to clients before extending credit to them, especially clients with some noticeable levels of illiteracy. There is also need for a comprehensive analysis on the current poverty reduction models and their impact on the very poor, in terms of production capacity, owning productive assets and living meaningful lives.
The Health and Ecological Implications of Mercury use in Artisanal Gold Extraction Process
(International Journal of Technology and Management, 2018-06-12) Picho, Epiphany Odubuker; Nabaasa, Herbert; Ngaka, Willy
This paper presents findings of the study to examine the implications of Mercury use in artisanal gold mining on the ecological systems and the miners’ health. Mercury is extensively used in gold extraction by artisans with implications on their health and the environment.Although Artisanal Gold Mining is an important economic activity that underpins the livelihoods of many people in Uganda and elsewhere in worldwide, the public health and ecological issues particularly, the mercury use in the gold extraction process are of great concern. Unfortunately, the major focus in Sub-Saharan Africa has traditionally been on large-scale mining with less interest on health, safety and environment issues in artisanal gold mining (Collier, 2010). An exploratory cross sectional study design was used to examine the implications of Mercury use in artisanal gold mining on the ecological systems and the miners’ health in the districts of Mubende and Buhweju. 384 respondents were selected from artisans, minining rights holders and local leaders. Data was collected using observation checklists, survey questionnaire, interview guide and documents review guide. The findings indicated a strong correlation between the variables of interest determined using odds ration and 95% confidence intervals. It was established that, the mining communities live in deplorable sanitary conditions, use toxic chemicals such as mercury in the gold extraction process putting their health at a great risk and have severely degraded fragile ecosystems that should support their livelihoods.In order to assess the relationship between the use mercury in gold extraction and ecological/health implications, all the factors that were significant at bi-variate level were subjected to a multivariate analysis using logistic regression model. The significant factors such as the implication of mercury use on land and water, miners’ livelihood security and food production were fitted in the model and subjected to further analysis. A Back Ward Stepwise Logistic Regression was used to control for all probable confounding variables in the test. The controls were done through model modification. The best logistic regression model fitted finally predicted the probability or chance that mercury use in gold extraction significantly affects the miner’s health and ecological value.
Human Capacity and Procurement Performance at Two Tertiary Institutions in Uganda
(Makerere Journal of Higher Education (MAJOHE), 2017) Picho, Epiphany Odubuker
This study aimed at establishing the ways in which institutional human capacity affects performance in public procurement at Uganda College of Commerce (UCC), Pakwach and National Teachers College (NTC), Muni, both located in West Nile sub-region of Uganda. The study followed a cross-sectional survey design. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used. This study targeted a random sample of 122 respondents. Purposive sampling was also used to select the Accounting Officers and the Contracts Committee members of the institutions. The findings revealed a positive correlation (.611) between institutional human capacity and procurement performance. Thus, it was concluded that institutional human capacity (measured in terms of professionalism and competence) affected performance in institutions in the region. Therefore, prioritisation of institutional human capacity building is recommended.
Inflation threshold and financial sector development in Uganda
(International Journal of Business and Economic Sciences Applied Research, 2024-07) Akena, Geoffrey Oyoo; Mayanja, John Bbale; Amandu, Yassin Is’haq
Purpose: This paper empirically analyzes the inflation threshold for better financial sector development (FSD) in Uganda using the yearly trend data spanning over the period 1980 to 2020. The basic idea of the study was to affirm whether the 5-percent bank of Uganda (BOU) inflations rates target is correct. Design/methodology/approach: The analysis incorporates the Autoregressive Distributing Lags (ARDL) model. This is due to the fact that the variables of the study were not all stationary at the same levels but archived strong stationarity after differencing once. To capture the inflation threshold estimation, the Ordinary Least Square model was run with lag value of the dependence variable. Findings: The research indicates that the critical inflation threshold is 6 percent. Below 6 percent inflation, there is a positive and decreasing impact but a statistically insignificant connection between inflation and FSD. Beyond 6 percent, the relationship becomes negative, and the intensity increases exponentially as the inflation rate increases. Specifically, the study estimates that at a 5% inflation rate, the FSD has the potential to grow by about 1.3 % and should the inflation rate increase from the optimal of 6% to 7%, it drops by the same magnitude. Research limitations/implications: Data Limitation. The time span of 1980-2020, is because of no data for some variables beyond the chosen time frame. Even if some data were available, some are inconsistence and varies within the available data base set. Originality/value: The study augment to the development of FSD in Uganda by furnishing the Monetary Authority with evidence that help fix the optimal inflation threshold in the country. Similarly, this research will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on how best to manage the inflation rate in the country.
Institutional culture and procurement performance in tertiary institutions in West Nile Sub-Region of Uganda.
(European Journal of Management and Marketing Studies, 2017) Picho, Epiphany Odubuker
The study aimed to establish how institutional culture affects performance in public procurement in tertiary institutions in West Nile sub-region of Uganda. A cross-sectional study design was used. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were adopted in the study. This study targeted a sample of 122 respondents. Simple random sampling technique was used to select amongst the user departments’ staff. Purposive sampling was used to select the Accounting Officers and Contract Committee members. Quantitative data analysis mainly consisted of descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics (Spearman Rank Order Correlation). Findings revealed that there was a moderate positive correlation ( rho = .474) between institutional culture and procurement performance. Thus, it was concluded that institutional culture significantly affected performance in public procurement in tertiary institutions in West Nile sub-region of Uganda. It is recommended that tertiary institutions in West Nile Sub-region of Uganda should focus on institutional culture to improve performance in public procurement.

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