Research Articles

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The effect of credit collection policy on loan performance in the banking sector in central region of Uganda
(Indonesian Association of Lecturers Researchers in Economics and Business (ADPEBI), 2026-03-30) Semusu, Alex; Eton, Marus; Kaaya, Siraje; Mpora, Eliab Byamukama
This study examined the effect of credit collection policy on loan performance in the banking sector of Central Uganda. Despite the presence of formal credit collection frameworks, commercial banks in Uganda continue to experience persistent loan defaults, raising concerns about the effectiveness of existing collection practices in improving loan performance. Anchored in a pragmatic research paradigm, the study adopted a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to selected commercial banks and analyzed through Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM) using Jeffrey’s Amazing Statistical Program (JASP) version 0.19.3.0. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was employed to validate the measurement model. Qualitative data were obtained through key informant interviews and analyzed thematically to complement and explain the quantitative findings. The results revealed that credit collection policy had a negative but statistically non-significant relationship with loan performance (β ≈ −0.04, p > 0.05). While the measurement model demonstrated acceptable construct validity and reliability, the structural model indicated that formal credit collection policies did not significantly influence loan performance outcomes. Qualitative findings provided further insight, showing that collection practices were largely reactive, with recovery efforts typically initiated only after loans became non-performing. In addition, heavy reliance on third-party debt collectors and delayed borrower engagement weakened internal ownership and accountability in the credit recovery process. The study contributes empirical evidence from Uganda’s banking sector by demonstrating that the effectiveness of credit collection policy is determined less by formal policy design and more by proactive implementation and early borrower engagement. By integrating quantitative SEM results with qualitative insights, the study offers a nuanced explanation for the weak linkage between credit collection policies and loan performance, with implications for strengthening credit risk management policies in developing economies.
The effect of credit monitoring policy on loan performance in commercial banks in central Uganda
(East African Journal of Business and Economics, 2026-03-25) Semusu, Alex; Eton, Marus; Siraje, Kaaya; Mpora, Eliab Byamukama
This study examined the effect of credit monitoring policy on loan performance in commercial banks operating in Central Uganda. Guided by a pragmatic philosophy, a convergent mixed-methods design was adopted. Quantitative data were collected from 378 banking professionals and analysed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), while qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews were thematically analysed to support interpretation. The results reveal a positive but statistically insignificant relationship between credit monitoring policy and loan performance (β = 4.227, t = 0.425, p > 0.05). EFA identified three key dimensions of credit monitoring: effective governance and strategic leadership, organisational governance and continuous improvement, and risk evaluation approaches. These constructs demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability, with KMO values ranging from 0.616 to 0.626, Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity significant at p < 0.001, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients between 0.530 and 0.600, and Average Variance Extracted (AVE) values above 0.50. CFA results confirmed strong model fit (CFI = 1.000, TLI = 1.000, RMSEA = 0.000). Qualitative findings indicate that monitoring practices are largely manual, reactive, and inconsistently applied, limiting early detection of borrower distress and weakening policy effectiveness. The study concluded that the effectiveness of credit monitoring depends more on implementation quality than on the existence of formal frameworks. Strengthening automated monitoring systems, early warning mechanisms, and managerial accountability is essential for improving loan performance and reducing non-performing loans. While the cross-sectional design limits causal inference, the findings provide context-specific insights for enhancing credit risk management in emerging banking markets.
The effect of credit limit policies on loan performance in the banking sector of the central region of Uganda
(East African Nature and Science Organization, 2026-02-03) Semusu, Alex; Eton, Marus; Kaaya, Siraje; Mpora, Eliab Byamukama
This study examined the effect of credit limit policies on loan performance in the banking sector of Central Uganda. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed and complemented with qualitative insights. Data was collected from credit officers, risk managers, and relationship managers in selected commercial banks using structured questionnaires. Credit limit policies were operationalised through borrowers’ cash flows, collateral adequacy, capital, conditions, creditworthiness, character, and capacity, while loan performance was measured using non-performing loans, recovery rates, and repayment timeliness. Data was analysed using SPSS version 26 and JASP version 0.19, with Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) applied to test the hypothesized relationship. The findings reveal a positive but statistically insignificant relationship between credit limit determination and loan performance. Qualitative evidence indicates that this weak effect is primarily due to inconsistent enforcement of credit limit policies, managerial overrides, and infrequent reviews of approved limits in response to changing borrower conditions and market dynamics. The study concludes that although formal credit limit frameworks exist within commercial banks, deficiencies in implementation and monitoring undermine their effectiveness in enhancing loan performance. By integrating quantitative SEM results with qualitative insights, this study contributes to the credit risk management literature by highlighting the implementation gap between policy design and practice. Practically, the findings offer actionable guidance for commercial banks and regulators, including the Bank of Uganda, on strengthening credit limit enforcement, review mechanisms, and governance structures to improve loan performance. While the focus on Central Uganda may limit generalizability, the insights remain relevant for similar banking contexts in emerging economies.
Making the university more international: An exploration of higher education internationalisation strategies in Africa from a continental perspective
(University of Deusto, 2025-06-30) Nabaho, Lazarus; Turyasingura, Wilberforce; Twinomuhwezi, Ivan Kiiza; Kiiza, Kenneth Alfred; Nabukenya, Margaret; Andama, Felix Adiburu
Internationalisation is one of the contemporary issues in the higher education (HE) academic and policy discourses. Since the 1990s, scholarship on the internationalisation of HE has burgeoned. Nevertheless, the internationalisation of HE in Africa is relatively under-researched. Using the African Quality Rating Mechanism (AQRM), an education framework of the African Union, this article explores the approaches to the internationalisation of HE in Africa. A qualitative descriptive design underpinned the study and the data was analysed using content analysis. The findings show that the AQRM comprises five dominant Eurocentric HE internationalisation strategies: student and faculty mobility, academic mobility, international research collaboration, dissemination of research at international conferences, and curriculum internationalisation. However, despite the similarity in the form, the substance of the internationalisation shows that attempts have been made to decolonise the Anglo-Saxon models of internationalisation. It can therefore be concluded that: (a) mobility (of persons and programmes), the elitist version of internationalisation, is integral to most internationalisation practices in the AQRM; (b) the AQRM was designed within the framework of the decolonial lens which repudiates the dominant colonial conception that what qualifies to be “international” must be associated with Europe and North America; and (c) political and academic rationales dominate the internationalisation discourse at the continental level.
Financial inclusion and governance challenges in higher education compared, perspectives from State Universities
(Goodwood Publishing, 2026-02-25) Eton, Marus; Ocan, Johnson; Agea, Jacob Godfrey; Okello-Obura, Constant; Mwosi, Fabian; Ogwel, Bernard Patrick
Purpose: This study critically examines the widely held belief that financial inclusion and governance are essential to understanding the evolution of highly complex structures and systems within higher education. Research Methodology: This study adopted a qualitative, multifaceted approach centered on case studies and a learning analytics strategy to evaluate institutions' effectiveness in achieving intended outcomes. Results: The study revealed that inadequate government funding, weak policies, and limited stakeholder engagement have significantly affected the governance of state-owned universities. Over-reliance on dwindling donor funding has also impacted research and innovation within these institutions. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the need for improved financial management systems, better access to financial services, and policy reforms in state-owned universities to enhance governance and sustainability. Limitations: This study is limited in its exclusive focus on public universities, which may not fully capture the broader spectrum of experiences across different educational settings, such as private institutions or vocational schools. Contributions: This study contributes to the link between financial inclusion and governance in higher education institutions by offering insights that can guide policy and institutional reforms in educational settings within the country.
Assessing the deterrents to quality financial reporting in corporate organizations
(Research & Innovation Initiative, 2026-02-07) Eton, Marus; Mwosi, Fabian; Olupot, Simon Peter; Ogwel, Patrick Bernard; Aitaa, Sam Kilimvi
Purpose: The study aims to assess the deterrents to quality financial reporting in corporate organizations and provide an acceptable solution to address the identified challenges. Methodology: The data were collected using self-administered questionnaires; the unit of analysis was corporate organizations based in Lira, Uganda, and the unit of inquiry was employees. The study assessed discriminant validity among the latent variables using the Heterotrait-Monotrait Ratio, and correlations among the latent variables were computed. To enhance validity and reliability, the study addressed common method bias. A structural equation model was also developed to assess its predictive value and the strength of relationships among the latent variables. Results: The study found that high-quality reporting is associated with good accounting standards. A positive change in financial reporting strategies improves the quality of financial reporting. It is also noted that the use of qualified staff and ICT would enhance the quality of financial reporting. Implications: Corporate organizations that apply sound accounting standards, integrate ICT, and empower boards to perform oversight roles in accordance with established policies will always grow faster. Originality: This study examined the often overlooked, yet significant aspects of quality financial reporting in most corporate organizations, whereas the existing literature focuses primarily on regulatory issues and compliance. The study focused on specificities and hindrances to accuracy and transparency in financial reporting.
The influence of university council policy functions on public university financing in Uganda
(Academic Journals, 2026-07-31) Katabaazi-Bwengye, Anny; Musoke, Henry Buwuule; Eton, Marus
This study focused on analyzing the policy functions of university councils in public university financing in Uganda. The rationale for conducting the study stemmed from the financial challenges faced by public universities, which make it difficult for them to fully execute their mandates of research, teaching, and community engagement. The study was conducted purposively among four selected public universities across the four regions of Uganda, which constituted the units of analysis. A cross-sectional research design was adopted, and data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. The study population comprised 193 respondents, from whom a sample of 168 was drawn. Data were analyzed using JASP version 0.19.3.0 software. Results were presented using means and correlation analysis, and the findings revealed that university councils’ functions positively and significantly predict public university financing (r = 0.525, p < 0.001). The study also found that university councils’ policy functions directly shape how financial resources are allocated, utilized, and accounted for in public higher education institutions. The study therefore recommends strengthening the technical expertise and governance skills of university council members through capacity building to enhance effective financial oversight. In addition, higher education institutions should align their priorities with government funding frameworks while enhancing public trust and transparency, all of which are critical for securing sustained public support and funding.
Financial accountability and budgetary control in Uganda’s Parliamentary Commission: Evidence from a mixed methods study
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2026-01-23) Kalembe, Justine; Rukanyangira, Nazarious; Zombeire, Regis
This study investigates the relationship between financial accountability and budgetary control within Uganda’s Parliamentary Commission, a pivotal institution in democratic governance and fiscal oversight. Anchored in Public Financial Management (PFM) and Agency Theories, the study employed a mixed methods design, integrating quantitative surveys (n = 180) with qualitative key informant interviews (n = 12). Findings revealed a strong and statistically significant positive correlation (r = 0.612, p < 0.01), between financial accountability nd budgetary control. Descriptive results indicated that most respondents agreed that the Commission upholds timely financial reporting, effective audit follow up, transparent procurement processes, and accurate disclosures. However, challenges persisted, including delayed reporting, inconsistent implementation of audit recommendations, and incomplete documentation. Qualitative insights revealed that while formal accountability frameworks exist, political interference and capacity gaps hinder consistent application across departments. The study concludes that strengthening financial accountability through timely reporting, comprehensive audit follow up, and transparent procurement is essential for enhancing budgetary control and restoring public confidence. The research contributes to the growing body of literature on public financial management in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the interplay between institutional mechanisms and political realities, and advocates for adaptive accountability models that balance formal systems with contextual realities.
Enhancing organisational performance through budget execution and internal control systems: Evidence from the parliamentary commission of Uganda
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2026-01-20) Kalembe, Justine; Rukanyangira, Nazarious; Zombeire, Regis
This study examines the role of budget execution in enhancing internal control systems and improving organisational performance within the Parliament of Uganda. Anchored in Public Financial Management (PFM) theory and Agency Theory, the research adopts a mixed methods approach, integrating quantitative surveys (n = 188) and qualitative interviews with key informants, including finance officers, auditors, and parliamentary administrative staff. Findings reveal a strong positive correlation between budget execution and organizational performance (r = 0.678, p < 0.01), highlighting that internal control systems are reinforced through inclusive budgeting, variance analysis, expenditure tracking, and timely corrective action. Qualitative insights suggest that, although formal internal control structures exist, political interference, capacity limitations, and inconsistent enforcement impede optimal performance. The study concludes that enhancing budget execution alongside robust internal controls is critical for improving organisational efficiency and fiscal accountability. Policy implications include the strengthening of audit follow-up mechanisms, investment in digital financial tools, and the reduction of political interference to ensure consistent application of financial controls. This study contributes to the literature on PFM in Sub Saharan Africa by providing an integrated framework for aligning budget execution with internal controls in legislative institutions.
A Structural equation model of customer retention in the supermarket industry in Uganda
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2025-12-31) Amandu, Yassin Is’haq; Lubaale, Rashid; Ndagire, Salmah; Eton, Marus; Olema, Hamza
This study examined the challenge of customer retention in Uganda’s supermarket sector, where firms face low customer loyalty, high costs of acquiring new customers, slow growth, and persistent complaints about service quality. Many small supermarkets either relocate or close, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions. The research aimed to identify critical determinants of supermarket operations and propose a Supermarket Customer Retention (SCR) model suited for Uganda’s turbulent business environment. A cross-sectional quantitative survey of 395 shoppers was conducted using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire distributed physically in major supermarkets and online via Google Forms. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was applied, and five of the eight goodness-of-fit indices were achieved, confirming the model’s validity. Results revealed that service quality, relational norms, switching costs, customer satisfaction, and customer trust are key factors in determining retention. The study provides actionable insights for supermarket management and extends supermarket retention research to the sub-Saharan African context.
Mobile money and the dynamics of income inequality
(Research & Innovation Initiative, 2025-11-29) Eton, Marus; Ocan, Johnson; Ogwel, Bernard Patrick; Andama, Felix Adiburu
Purpose: This article examines the relationship between mobile money adoption and income inequality in Arua City, Uganda. Although mobile money is often promoted as a tool for financial inclusion, its distributional outcomes remain underexplored. Methods: The study uses a mixed qualitative approach, combining household surveys, econometric analysis, and interviews to examine how mobile money affects income disparities. This methodology provides a comprehensive quantitative insight into usage patterns, household income distribution, and individual experiences. Results: Results indicate that mobile money facilitates financial participation, enhances household resilience, and expands economic opportunities, particularly for marginalized groups. However, unequal uptake driven by differences in education, digital literacy, and access to complementary financial services creates a paradox: while mobile money reduces some barriers to inclusion, it simultaneously risks amplifying socioeconomic divides. Implications: The study advances the literature on digital finance by highlighting the context-specific mechanisms through which mobile money influences income inequality. Policy implications point to the need for targeted interventions that strengthen digital capabilities, expand access across income groups, and ensure that financial innovation contributes to equitable development.
Working capital management, accounts receivable, and performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
(Goodwood Publishing, 2025-12-05) Eton, Marus; Mwosi, Fabian; Ogwel, Bernard Patrick; Olupot, Simon Peter
Purpose: This study examined how working capital management and accounts receivables influence the performance of SMEs in Uganda and proposes policy options to address the financial and managerial challenges identified. The study provides insights into how efficient financial practices can support SME sustainability in a competitive business environment. Research Methodology: A cross-sectional research design was adopted to assess the existing conditions of working capital management and accounts receivable practices. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire distributed to 180 SMEs selected for the study. Inferential statistical techniques were applied during data analysis to test the research hypotheses, and several hypothesis tests were conducted to form a sound basis for interpretation and conclusion. Results: The findings indicate that improvements in working capital management significantly enhance SME performance. Similarly, better accounts receivable practices—such as offering discounts and regularly reviewing credit policies—can contribute to improved financial outcomes. The results show that both working capital management and accounts receivables are significant predictors of SME performance. Conclusions: SMEs that adopt sound working capital and receivables management strategies can thrive even in challenging business environments. Effective financial management also reduces the need for borrowed capital, enabling SMEs to operate more efficiently and sustainably. Limitations: The study was geographically limited to Lira City, which may restrict the applicability of findings to broader contexts. Contribution: The study provides important guidance for SME owners and policymakers on how working capital and receivables management practices influence enterprise performance.
Institutional staff policies’ implementation and employee job satisfaction in Uganda: A mediating effect of work environment
(Academic Journals, 2025-08-31) Omodo, Yusuf; Nsereko, Norman David; Eton, Marus
This study focused on establishing the intervening effect of work environment in the relationship between institutional staff policies' implementation and employee job satisfaction among administrative staff in universities in Uganda. The study was undertaken because most private universities could not afford to pay their staff a living wage and meet their staff's welfare needs, resulting in the challenge of managing dissatisfied administrative staff. The study involved purposive and simple random sampling approaches. The study adopted a descriptive approach to generate data from the targeted population of 495 and a sample size of 215. The study also used a cross-sectional survey to obtain responses, and this generated a response rate of 100% for both the unit of analysis and unit of inquiry. Both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were employed to analyze the data. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Amos statistical software. The unstandardized bootstrapping results show that the total effect of institutional staff policies' implementation on employee job satisfaction of selected universities in East and Northern Uganda was significant (B = 0.786, p < 0.01). Upon the inclusion of the mediating variable (work environment) in the model, the impact of institutional staff policies' implementation on employee job satisfaction remained significant (B = 0.366, p < 0.01), though it reduced in magnitude from 0.786 to 0.366. This suggests that the relationship between institutional staff policies' implementation and employee job satisfaction is mediated by work environment. The findings reveal a partial mediation (B = 0.366, p < 0.01), implying that the effect of institutional staff policies' implementation on employee job satisfaction is partially transmitted by work environment. This suggests the critical need for a conducive work environment for staff. Thus, the study recommends that universities prioritize improving the work environment and ensure that employees are provided with a decent working context.
Navigating the enigmas of unregulated nomadic pastoralism on peasant farmer communities
(East African Nature and Science Organization (EANSO), 2025-09-15) Ocan, Johnson; Eton, Marus; Akello, Jacqueline; Arinaitwe, Julius Alexander
This study investigated the profound implications of the roaming pastoral practices of the Balaalo on peasant farming communities in Northern Uganda, particularly the disruptions resulting from their free-range nomadic lifestyles. Employing a qualitative research design, data were collected through questionnaires and subsequently analysed using MAXQDA’s auto-coding, sentiment, and text-based analytical tools. The target population comprised 600 individuals across affected communities, with 400 participants ultimately completing the study. The reduced participation was largely attributed to the contextual challenges of unregulated pastoralism: seasonal cattle movements and recurrent land conflicts caused widespread displacement, insecurity, and mobility, which hindered consistent engagement. Furthermore, subsistence farmers often prioritised urgent survival activities over research commitments, making the final sample both realistic and representative of community realities. Findings reveal that loosely regulated mobile pastoralism exerts a significant strain on agrarian livelihoods. The Balaalo’s patterns of land encroachment and the destruction of farmlands have intensified tensions across the Acoli, Lango, and Madi subregions, with a high potential for replication in other parts of Uganda if left unaddressed. The study underscores the structural consequences of nomadic incursions, including disruption of local farming systems, heightened food insecurity, and increasing vulnerability among subsistence households. These dynamics highlight the urgent need for effective policy interventions to balance pastoral mobility with agrarian land rights. The study acknowledges certain limitations. Because the analysis draws on case studies within four districts, the findings cannot fully capture the breadth of livelihood adjustments or the nuanced belief systems of all affected communities. Nonetheless, the research provides valuable insights into ongoing structural transformations in northern Uganda. This work makes three critical contributions: first, it demonstrates the long-term consequences of unregulated pastoral mobility on smallholder farming systems; second, it highlights the formation of alternative and adaptive livelihood strategies within contested rangelands; and third, it situates these processes within broader debates on poverty reduction and vulnerability mitigation in pastoral–agrarian interfaces. By foregrounding the lived realities of farmers confronting the pressures of roaming pastoralism, the study advances both scholarly and policy dialogues on land use, livelihood security, and sustainable coexistence in Uganda and beyond.
Organizational justice and employee performance in the public sector in Uganda: A correlational study
(Eternal Scientific Publications, 2025-07-19) Edema, Stephen Budraa
The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between organisational justice and employees’ performance in Pakwach district. It specifically sought to establish the relationship between distributive justice and employee performance in the Pakwach district, to determine the relationship between procedural justice and employee performance in the Pakwach district, and to examine the relationship between interactional justice and employee performance in the Pakwach district. This study was anchored on equity theory (Adams, 1965). Correlational design was used. The sample was selected using stratified random sampling and simple random sampling techniques. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The response rate was 85.6%. Computer-aided data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 22, for Windows. Descriptive statistics were generated, and correlation analysis was done. The study established a weak, positive, and statistically significant relationship between distributive justice and employee performance; a weak, positive, but statistically insignificant relationship between procedural justice and employee performance; and a moderately positive, statistically significant relationship between interactional justice and employee performance. The study concluded that organisational justice dimensions have a weak to moderate relationship with employee performance. Recommendations for further study are made herein.
Boda-boda business activity and socioeconomic transformation in Wakiso District, Uganda
(Journal of Governance and Accountability Studies (JGAS), 2025-07-15) Mbowa, Henry Stanley; Eton, Marus; Tushabe, Sylivia Byarugaba
Purpose: This study established the effect of Boda-boda Business Activity (BBA) on socioeconomic transformation in Wakiso District, Uganda. Methods: This study employed a descriptive design with quantitative and qualitative approaches. A total of 89 respondents were determined from 114 people at the boda-boda stage in Kitemu. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data. The data were analyzed using SPSS to generate descriptive statistics. SEM was employed to establish the causal effect between the variables. Results: The results indicated that people joined BBA to earn a living to support their families (Mean=4.4; Std.D=0.756), due to a lack of jobs (Mean=4.07; Std.D=1.055), and ease of repairing motorbikes (Mean=3.85; Std.D=1.417). Furthermore, BBA had a significant effect on socioeconomic transformation (β=0.392; p˂0.000). Conclusion: The BBA has the potential to bring substantial socioeconomic transformation, including employment creation (mean=4.0), improved mobility (mean=4.12), and stimulated local commerce (mean=3.79) in Kitemu Ward. Thus, the BBA had a positive effect on socioeconomic transformation (β=0.392, p<0.001). Limitation: The study employed a descriptive survey design on motorbike riders in Kitemu Ward, which might hinder generalization of the study findings. Thus, more studies need to be conducted using different research designs on a larger sample of boda-boda stages in Wakiso. Contributions: This study provides information to the Ministry of Work and Transport on how the boda-boda sector can be improved to enhance socioeconomic transformation in Wakiso.
An insight into anthropogenic tourism potential of West Nile Sub-Region for livelihood improvement
(International Journal of Engineering Development and Research, 2025-04-30) Acadribo, Ofuti Charles
Tourism has become a favored development strategy for improving the livelihood of local communities by providing employment opportunities, market for local products, improving infrastructure, providing investment opportunities and so on. The study intended to understand the anthropogenic tourism potential of West Nile Sub-Region and create awareness so that it can be harnessed to promote tourism growth for livelihood improvement opportunity of people in west Nile sub-region. The study adopted qualitative approach research design to investigate the phenomenon. Primary data was collected by observation, focus group discussion and interview of key informants; and secondary data was collected by literature review. The findings indicate that West Nile Sub Region is extolled with abundant anthropogenic tourism potential that are under exploited. Most of the attractions lack basic facilities and services for visitor use, there is limited awareness about the potential, the available services and facilities are inadequate and in sorrow state, the accessibility to some of the sites are poor, there is limited capital for the improvement of the sites. The study recommends need for increased awareness, more investment in facilities and services to tap the potential, improvement of accessibility to some of the sites, more attention to be given by the government to the sector in budget.
An insight into natural tourism potential of West Nile Sub-Region for livelihood improvement
(International Journal of Engineering Development and Research, 2025-03-31) Acadribo, Ofuti Charles
Tourism has become a silver bullet in rekindling livelihood improvement of the local communities by providing employment opportunities, market for local products, improved infrastructure, investment opportunities and so on. The study intended to understand the natural tourism potential of West Nile Sub-Region and create awareness so that it can be harnessed to promote tourism growth for livelihood improvement opportunity of people in west Nile region. The study adopted qualitative approach research design due to the nature of the investigation. Primary data was collected by observation, focus group discussion and interview of key informants; and secondary data was collected by literature review. The findings indicate that West Nile Sub Region is endowed with abundant natural tourism potential that is under exploited. Most of the attractions lack basic facilities and services for visitor use, there is limited awareness about the potential, the available services and facilities are inadequate and in sorrow state, the accessibility to some of the sites are poor, there is limited capital for the improvement of the sites. The study recommends increased awareness, more investment in facilities and services to tap the potential, accessibility to some of the sites be improved, and more attention be given by the government to the sector in budget.
Exploring the effect of digital finance on financial inclusion in Uganda, a reflection from Lira City
(Emerald Publishing, 2025-03-18) Eton, Marus; Mwosi, Fabian; Amandu, Ishaq Yassin; Ocan, Johnson; Ogwel, Bernard Patrick
Purpose—The study aims to discuss financial inclusion (FI) as a facilitator of digital financing, with the intention of solving challenges relating to financial exclusion. Design/methodology/approach—To understand the nexus between digital finance (DF) and FI, both descriptive and correlation research designs were used. The study collected data from 300 respondents, including vendors and dealers in agricultural produce, who were selected purposively and randomly. Findings—The study found a significant contribution of DF to FI and significant variations in FI due to mobile money (MM) and Internet banking. MM and smartphones are very often used in performing commercial transactions due to their easy accessibility compared to ATMs, the Internet, and agent banking, which are always restricted. Research limitations/implications—The study only focused on how the DF platform affects financial inclusiveness in Lira City and did not explore other financial services. Social implications—The quickest and widest adoption of MM by rural communities is mostly due to its user-friendliness, which seems to be lacking in other bank applications or products. Originality/value—The study offers significant insight into challenges related to financial inclusiveness, which is a global concern for many economies.
Conceptualizing digital finance as a precursor for financial inclusionand financial service usage in Uganda
(Taylor & Francis group, 2025-01-03) Nagaaba, Nickson; Batamuriza, Rehema; Basuta, James; Owomugisha, Maryvian
This study conceptualizes digital finance as mobile banking, mobile money, and agent banking in the context of Uganda, and quantifies their influence on the usage levels of financial services. Data were collected from 290 lead households from 15 districts of Uganda, benefiting from the Uganda Multi-Sectoral Food Security and Nutritional Project (UMFSNP). Confirmatory factor procedures confirmed the digital finance structure, and individual path coefficients were determined to explain their relationship with financial inclusion and usage of financial services. These results indicate that mobile money and agent banking are significantly associated with financial inclusion. The results indicate that only agent banking influences the usage of financial services. Mobile banking does not impact financial inclusion and the usage of financial services. This study implicates financial institutions, funding interventions, and the government of Uganda to embrace the appropriate financial services that are affordable to vulnerable people.

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