The study examined public health policies and healthcare delivery implementation with a focus on Mortality and
Maternal health care delivery in selected teaching hospitals in south-south, Nigeria. Despite the existence of
numerous maternal and child health policies and reforms Nigeria consistently high infant and maternal mortality
rates served as the impetus for the study. The study used a mixed methods approach that combined key informant
interviews with survey research. Structured questionnaires were used to gather data from 291 administrators and
healthcare professionals in a subset of teaching hospitals and senior hospital officials were interviewed in-depth. The
quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis and the qualitative
data were analyzed using content analysis. The significance level for the regression analysis was set at five percent
(p 0. 05). The results of the regression analysis showed that the implementation of public health policies had a
significant impact on Mortality outcomes (β = 0. 287 t = 4. 556 p = 0. 000) suggested that better infant survival is a
result of well-executed health policies. Maternal and Health care service delivery were also strongly and
significantly impacted by healthcare delivery practices (β = 0. 421 t = 5. 847 p = 0. 000) indicated that providing
high-quality services is essential to enhancing maternal and child health. Furthermore, maternal and Health care
service delivery were significantly impacted by health system capacity (β = 0. 198 t = 3. 414 p = 0. 001)
underscoring the significance of sufficient staffing infrastructure and institutional preparedness. The robustness of
the results was confirmed by the model which explained roughly 67. 4 percent of the variation in maternal and
Health care service delivery (R² = 0. 674). The study comes to the conclusion that lowering Mortality and improving
maternal and Health care service delivery in teaching hospitals in South-South Nigeria require improved
institutional capacity strengthened healthcare delivery methods and effective public health policy implementation.
To achieve long-lasting improvements in maternal and Health care service delivery it suggests more robust policy
monitoring mechanisms more funding for maternal and child health programs ongoing capacity building for
healthcare professionals and better health system infrastructure.

Financial literacy represents a critical determinant of responsible borrowing behavior and loan repayment performance
among microfinance clients. This study examined the influence of financial literacy on loan repayment performance
among microfinance borrowers in Wakiso District, Uganda. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design using
mixed methods approaches. A sample of 186 respondents comprising microfinance borrowers, loan officers, and
institutional managers was selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through structured
questionnaires, financial literacy tests, and key informant interviews. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics,
Pearson correlation, logistic regression, and chi-square tests using SPSS version 26. The study revealed a strong
positive relationship (r = 0.768, p < 0.01) between financial literacy and loan repayment performance. Budgeting skills
showed the strongest correlation with timely repayment (r = 0.812, p < 0.01). Financial planning knowledge correlated
significantly with loan default prevention (χ² = 28.643, p < 0.01). Borrowers with high financial literacy demonstrated
73.8% on-time repayment rates compared to 34.6% among low literacy borrowers. Record-keeping practices reduced
default risk by 64.3%. The regression model explained 67.9% of variance in repayment performance (R² = 0.679).
Financially literate borrowers exhibited 2.89 times higher odds of successful loan repayment (OR = 2.89, 95% CI:
1.87-4.46). Financial literacy significantly influenced loan repayment performance among Wakiso District
microfinance borrowers. Superior budgeting skills, financial planning knowledge, record-keeping practices, and
savings discipline directly enhanced repayment capacity and commitment. However, pervasive financial literacy gaps,
limited borrower training, and inadequate institutional support constrained optimal repayment outcomes.
Microfinance institutions should implement comprehensive financial literacy training programs as mandatory
components of loan disbursement processes. The Uganda Microfinance Regulatory Authority should establish
minimum financial education standards for all licensed institutions. Community-based financial literacy campaigns
leveraging local leaders and successful borrowers should promote responsible borrowing practices. Borrowers should
prioritize financial education acquisition as essential for maximizing credit benefits and avoiding debt distress.

Tax compliance costs represented significant burdens for small and medium enterprises, particularly in developing
economies where tax systems were complex and SME resources were limited. Kagadi District, located in Western
Uganda, hosted approximately 2,847 registered SMEs as of September 2023, contributing substantially to local
employment, economic activity, and tax revenues. This study investigated the influence of tax compliance costs on
SME performance in Kagadi District, conducted between July 2023 and March 2024. Tax compliance costs were
examined across four dimensions: monetary costs including tax consultant fees and software expenses, time costs
involving hours spent on tax matters, psychological costs reflecting stress and anxiety associated with compliance,
and administrative costs related to record-keeping and documentation requirements. SME performance was measured
using financial indicators including revenue growth, profitability, and cash flow adequacy, and non-financial
indicators including business expansion, employment creation, and investment capacity. The study employed a
descriptive correlational research design utilizing mixed methods approaches. From 2,847 registered SMEs in Kagadi
District, a sample of 351 SMEs was determined using Yamane's formula and selected through stratified random
sampling across three sectors: retail trade (168 SMEs), services (112 SMEs), and manufacturing (71 SMEs). Data
collection utilized structured questionnaires administered to 351 SME owners/managers, supplemented by key
informant interviews with 8 Uganda Revenue Authority officials, 6 tax consultants, and 4 local government revenue
officers. Document analysis of tax compliance records and financial statements covered fiscal years 2021-2023. The
questionnaire demonstrated high reliability with Cronbach's Alpha of 0.879. Data analysis employed SPSS version
29, utilizing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple regression models to establish
relationships between tax compliance cost dimensions and SME performance indicators. Findings revealed that tax
compliance costs significantly and negatively influenced SME performance (r=-0.764, p

This study examined the relationship between instructional supervision and students' academic performance at the
Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) level in selected public secondary schools of Kashari South, Mbarara City,
Uganda. The study was guided by four specific objectives: to assess the relationship between professional
development and students' academic performance; to examine the influence of feedback on students' academic
performance; to determine the relationship between classroom observation and students' academic performance; and
to assess the moderating role of teachers' experience on the relationship between instructional supervision and students'
academic performance. The study was underpinned by the Instructional Leadership Theory, developed by Hallinger
and Murphy. The theory's applicability lay in its emphasis on the pivotal role of school leaders in shaping teaching
and learning through guiding, monitoring, and supporting teachers to improve student learning outcomes. It provided
a lens to critically examine how supervisory practices such as classroom observations, mentoring, and feedback
influenced educational outcomes within the local context of Kashari South.
A cross-sectional research design was adopted, utilizing a mixed-methods approach. A sample of 152 respondents,
including students, teachers, school administrators, and supervisors, was selected using simple random and purposive
sampling techniques. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews and analyzed using descriptive
statistics, Pearson correlation, regression analysis, and thematic analysis. The results revealed several key findings.
First, a strong positive and significant relationship was found between teachers' professional development and
students' academic performance (r=0.696, p

This study examined the influence of leadership styles on teacher retention in selected secondary schools in Luweero District, Uganda. Guided by the Transformational Leadership Theory (TLT) developed by Burns and expanded by Bass, the study investigated how leadership behaviors particularly transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire styles affected teacher commitment and long-term retention. The theory was applied to understand the extent to which inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, contingent rewards, and leadership disengagement influenced teachers’ decisions to remain in their schools. The specific objectives were to: (1) assess the relationship between transformational leadership and teacher retention, (2) determine the effects of transactional leadership on teacher retention, and (3) establish the effects of laissez-faire leadership on teacher retention. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating both qualitative and quantitative strategies. A descriptive and correlational research design was used with a cross-sectional survey conducted among 138 respondents drawn from four secondary schools using purposive and random sampling techniques. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. Validity and reliability of the instruments were established using the Content Validity Index (CVI) and Cronbach’s Alpha, respectively. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS to produce descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and regression analyses, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed.
The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between transformational leadership and teacher retention, especially where leaders inspired, motivated, and supported teachers professionally. Transactional leadership had a
moderate influence, with contingent rewards contributing positively, while passive management had a limited effect.

This study examined the effect of mobile banking on the financial performance of commercial banks in Uganda, focusing on the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Jinja Road Branch. The study was guided by the Excellence Theory, specifically the Strategic Constituencies Approach, which posits that organizational success depended on how effectively it satisfied the needs of critical stakeholders. The theory’s applicability in this study lay in its emphasis on customer satisfaction, technological responsiveness, and efficiency enhancement elements that are essential for understanding how mobile banking services influence financial performance. Its relevance was demonstrated through the growing demand for digital financial services among customers, requiring banks to align mobile banking technologies with stakeholder expectations to enhance performance. A cross-sectional research design was adopted, using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected from 120 respondents selected through purposive and simple random sampling. Questionnaires, interviews, and document review formed the primary instruments of data collection. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The first objective assessed the mobile banking technologies used at UBA. Results indicated high usage of mobile applications, USSD (919#), internet
banking, and digital payment systems. Regression results showed that mobile banking technology had a strong positive effect on financial performance (R = 0.734; R² = 0.538; p = 0.000). This implied that 53.8% of the variation in financial performance was explained by mobile banking technologies. The second objective examined factors influencing the adoption of mobile banking services. Findings revealed that accessibility, perceived usefulness, system security, management commitment, and customer awareness significantly influenced adoption. Descriptive results showed that over 70% of respondents agreed that mobile banking at UBA was convenient, fast, and reliable.
However, a section of customers expressed concerns about system downtime and fraud risks, which occasionally hindered full adoption. The third objective investigated the relationship between mobile banking and financial performance. Results revealed a significant positive relationship (r = 0.681; p < 0.05). Multiple regression further indicated that mobile banking, mobile banking technology, and mobile banking service adoption jointly explained 57.4% of the changes in financial performance (R² = 0.574). Key indicators such as deposit growth, dormant account recovery, and loan recoveries improved significantly with increased mobile banking usage. The study concluded that mobile banking had a substantial and positive impact on the financial performance of UBA. The adoption of diverse and user-friendly digital channels enhanced operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and revenue generation. It was also concluded that the relevance of the Strategic Constituencies Approach was demonstrated through UBA’s ability to meet stakeholder expectations by offering reliable digital services. The study recommended that UBA should strengthen its mobile banking infrastructure to minimize system downtime, enhance customer awareness programs to increase adoption, and invest further in cybersecurity measures to address customer concerns about digital fraud.

The rise of e-commerce has transformed the way businesses operate, and online shopping has become an integral
part of modern retail. As consumers increasingly turn to online platforms for their shopping needs, businesses
must adapt to meet these changing demands while prioritizing sustainability.
The dependent variable in this study is business sustainability, which is operationalized through key indicators
such as customer retention, profitability and revenue growth, market reach and expansion, operational efficiency,
and business continuity. The independent variable is online shopping, which is examined through components
such as the Digital Platform Use (including websites and social media), digital payment methods (such as mobile
money and bank cards), and online customer engagement. Understanding the relationship between online
shopping practices and business sustainability is essential in today’s evolving commercial landscape, especially
in regions like Kasese District where digital transformation is gradually taking root. As consumer behaviour
increasingly shifts toward digital channels, businesses must adapt by integrating e-commerce tools that can drive
growth, improve efficiency, and enhance resilience. This chapter introduces the study, outlining its background,
problem statement, objectives, research questions, hypotheses, significance, scope, and the operational definitions
of key terms. The focus is on exploring how online shopping practices influence the sustainability of businesses
operating in Kasese District, Uganda.

This study examined the relationship between parents’ socio-economic status (SES) and students’ academic performance at the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) level in selected public secondary schools in Bushenyi District, Uganda. Specifically, the study assessed the effects of parents’ income, educational attainment, and occupational status on academic performance, as well as the moderating role of school support systems. The study was anchored in Bourdieu’s Theory of Social Reproduction (2021), which explains how socio-economic inequalities are reproduced through differential access to cultural and economic capital. A mixed-methods approach was adopted using a cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected from 181 respondents comprising teachers, school administrators, parents, and community leaders through questionnaires, interviews, and document reviews.
Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression, while
qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed a strong positive relationship between parental SES
and students’ academic performance. Parents’ income (r = 0.716, p < 0.05), educational attainment (r = 0.751, p <
0.05), and occupational status (r = 0.691, p < 0.05) significantly influenced students’ academic outcomes. School
support systems, including counseling and mentoring, moderated this relationship by improving performance among
students from lower SES backgrounds, although performance disparities persisted in favor of students from higher
SES families. The study concluded that parental SES was a significant determinant of academic performance, but
effective school-based support mechanisms could partially reduce SES-related inequalities. The study recommended
increased investment in bursaries and school feeding programs, enhanced parental education initiatives, flexible work
arrangements for parents, and strengthened school support systems. Further research was recommended to examine
longitudinal effects and rural–urban differences.

This study examines the relationship between Uganda's Parish Development Model (PDM) and local economic development within the urban context of Kampala District. Employing a concurrent mixed-methods approach, the research investigated how three key independent variables Institutional Implementation Capacity, Urban Livelihood Adaptation, and Pre-existing Associational Capital influence PDM-facilitated economic outcomes. A cross-sectional correlational design was utilized, collecting data from 333 respondents across four stakeholder groups: parish implementing officials, district supervisors, PDM beneficiary group leaders, and household members. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis, while qualitative insights were derived from interviews and focus group discussions. Findings revealed a significant positive relationship between all three independent variables and local economic development outcomes, with Urban Livelihood Adaptation demonstrating the strongest predictive power (β = .631, p < .001). Institutional Implementation Capacity showed a moderate-strong relationship (β = .572), highlighting challenges in transparency and impartiality despite adequate technical competence. Pre-existing Associational Capital exhibited a moderate yet significant relationship (β = .498), emphasizing the role of social infrastructure. The study concludes that the PDM's effectiveness in Kampala is contingent upon strengthening local governance integrity, formally supporting urban-appropriate enterprise adaptation, and strategically leveraging community social networks. Recommendations are provided for policymakers, local administrators, and development practitioners to enhance program design and implementation in
urban settings. Keywords: Parish Development Model, local economic development, institutional capacity, urban livelihoods, social capital, Kampala, Uganda.

Rapid urbanization has emerged as one of the most defining demographic and spatial transformations of the twentyfirst century, reshaping the social, economic, and physical fabric of cities and municipalities across the developing world. In sub-Saharan Africa, urbanization has proceeded at rates far exceeding the capacity of municipal governments to provide adequate housing, sanitation, healthcare, education, and social protection services, generating significant deterioration in social welfare and living conditions for urban residents, particularly the poor. In Uganda, rapid urban growth driven by rural-urban migration, natural population increase, and administrative reclassification of peri-urban areas has placed immense pressure on municipal service delivery systems. In Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District, one of Uganda's fastest-growing urban centers, rapid urbanization had produced a complex and compounding set of social welfare and living condition challenges that demanded empirical investigation. This study examined the effects of rapid urbanization on social welfare and living conditions in Nansana Municipality. The study adopted a crosssectional survey design integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. A sample of 145 respondents comprisingresidents, municipal officials, social service providers, and community leaders was selected through stratified random sampling. Structured questionnaires and key informant interviews were used for data collection. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were applied to examine the relationship between rapid urbanization and social welfare and living conditions. The findings revealed a strong negative and statistically significant relationship between rapid urbanization and social welfare and living conditions (r = -0.771, p < 0.05). Infrastructure overload (β = -0.452), environmental degradation (β = -0.431), and social service strain (β = -0.443) were each significant negative predictors of social welfare and living conditions. Residents in areas experiencing the most intense urbanization pressures recorded the lowest scores on housing quality, access to clean water and sanitation, healthcare access, and overall quality of life. Rapid urbanization was a significant and negative determinant of social welfare and living conditions in Nansana Municipality. The faster and more unplanned the urbanization process, the more severely social welfare and living conditions deteriorated across multiple dimensions of resident wellbeing. Nansana Municipal Council, the Wakiso District local government, and national urban planning agencies should urgently develop and implement integrated urban development strategies that align population growth management with proactive investment in social infrastructure, environmental management, and inclusive service delivery to protect and improve resident welfare.