Background: Research report submission delays among graduate students in Ugandan universities have reached concerning levels, yet the influence of romantic relationships on research progress remains largely unexplored despite relationships being central aspects of students' lives during this developmental period. Objective: This study examined the influence of romantic relationships on research report submission delays among graduate students in Ugandan universities, specifically assessing the relationship between romantic relationship status and submission timeliness, investigating mechanisms through which relationships influence research progress, andidentifying challenges students face in balancing relationship and research demands. Methods: A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed across four Ugandan universities. Thequantitative component utilized a cross-sectional survey of 384 graduate students recruited through stratified random sampling, measuring relationship status, relationship quality using the Perceived Relationship Quality Components inventory, time allocation patterns, and submission timelines. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chisquare tests, one-way ANOVA with post-hoc comparisons, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression controlling for demographic and institutional factors. The qualitative component involved 24 in-depth semi-structured interviews analyzed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke's approach, with integration occurring through joint display matrices at the interpretation stage. Results: Relationship status was significantly associated with submission delays (F = 12.84, p < .001), with separated/divorced students experiencing substantially longer delays (M = 8.7 months, SD = 5.3) compared to single (M = 4.2 months, SD = 3.8), dating (M = 5.1 months, SD = 4.2), and married students (M = 5.3 months, SD = 4.5). Partner support for studies showed the strongest correlation with reduced delays (r = -.402, p < .001), while conflict frequency was positively associated with delays (r = .367, p < .001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that relationship variables independently predicted submission delays even after controlling for supervision quality, funding status, program level, and field of study, with the full model explaining 41.2% of variance (F = 17.21, p < .001). Specifically, being separated/divorced predicted an additional 3.21 months of delay (β = .187, p < .001), higher relationship quality predicted shorter delays (β = -.162, p = .003), greater partner support reduced delays (β = -.156, p = .003), and increased conflict frequency extended delays (β = .143, p = .004). Qualitative findings identified mechanisms including emotional distress from relationship instability, time allocation conflicts, practical support or hindrance from partners, and cultural expectations around marriage intersecting with academic demands. Conclusion: Romantic relationships significantly influence research report submission delays among graduate students in Uganda through multiple mechanisms, with relationship quality, partner support, and relationship stability emerging as key factors. These findings demonstrate that romantic relationships constitute a legitimate dimension of graduate student persistence requiring explicit consideration in institutional support systems, supervision practices, and student guidance programs.