Community participation in disaster risk reduction (DRR) is widely advocated in policy, yet empirical evidence on how specific dimensions of decision-making involvement affect DRR outcomes remains limited in rural African contexts. This study examines the disaggregated impact of three decision-making involvement constructs planning involvement, design involvement, and critical decision-making on corresponding dimensions of DRR: enhanced resilience & preparedness, reduction in casualties, and sustainability of DRR initiatives. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, collecting data from a stratified random sample of 306 DRR stakeholders (local government officials, community leaders, and residents) in Bulambuli District, Eastern Uganda. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and simple linear regression in SPSS. Results revealed strong positive relationships: planning involvement significantly predicted enhanced resilience & preparedness (β = .58, p < .001), design involvement best predicted reduction in casualties (β = .52, p < .001), and critical decision-making most strongly predicted sustainability of DRR initiatives (β = .61, p < .001). The models explained substantial variance (R² = .48 to .57). The study concludes that community decision-making involvement is not monolithic but comprises distinct dimensions that differentially influence DRR outcomes. Recommendations are offered for developing targeted participatory strategies to strengthen disaster resilience in vulnerable rural districts.

The study investigated the effect of credit rates on poverty reduction in Zirobwe Town Council, Wakiso District, Uganda. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques with a sample of 152 microfinance borrowers and 8 key informants from financial institutions and local government. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions, then analyzed using Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and thematic analysis. Results indicated a significant negative relationship between credit rates and poverty reduction (r = -0.638, p < 0.001), meaning higher interest rates were associated with lower poverty reduction outcomes. The regression model revealed that credit rates explained 40.7% of variance in poverty reduction indicators (R² = 0.407, F = 68.54, p < 0.001). Borrowers accessing credit at rates below 15% per annum demonstrated significant improvements in household income (43.2% increase), asset accumulation, and food security compared to those facing rates above 25% per annum. The study concluded that excessive credit rates undermined poverty reduction efforts by limiting borrowers' capacity to generate surplus income for reinvestment and household improvement. Recommendations included regulatory interventions to cap microfinance interest rates, promotion of group lending mechanisms, financial literacy programs, and establishment of community-based savings and credit cooperatives to provide affordable credit alternatives.

The study examined the effect of credit risk management on operational effectiveness of Equity Bank in Uganda. The research adopted a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional survey design, targeting 134 employees from credit, risk management, operations, and finance departments across Equity Bank's branches in Uganda. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis. Results revealed significant positive relationships between credit risk management dimensions and operational effectiveness. Credit risk identification demonstrated a strong correlation with operational effectiveness (r = 0.712, p < 0.001), followed by risk assessment (r = 0.687, p < 0.001), risk mitigation (r = 0.658, p < 0.001), and risk monitoring (r = 0.634, p < 0.001). The multiple regression model indicated that credit risk management practices collectively explained 64.3% of variance in operational effectiveness (R² = 0.643, F = 58.47, p < 0.001). Banks with robust credit risk management frameworks experienced lower non-performing loan ratios (3.8% versus industry average of 5.2%), higher return on assets (3.4% versus 2.1%), and improved operational efficiency ratios. The study concluded that effective credit risk management constituted a critical determinant of operational effectiveness in commercial banking, enhancing asset quality, profitability, and institutional sustainability. Recommendations included strengthening credit risk assessment frameworks, implementing advanced analytics for risk prediction, enhancing staff capacity in risk management, and adopting integrated risk management information systems.

This study investigated the effect of international competitive tendering on quality management in Wakiso Local Government, Uganda. The research employed a cross-sectional survey design utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to examine how international competitive tendering practices influenced the quality of goods, services, and works procured by the local government. Data were collected from 198 respondents, including procurement officers, contract managers, engineers, project supervisors, suppliers, contractors, and local government officials in Wakiso District. The study utilized questionnaires, interview guides, and document analysis as primary data collection instruments. Results revealed a significant positive relationship between international competitive tendering and quality management (r = 0.763, p < 0.001). The findings indicated that 81.3% of respondents reported improved quality of procured goods and services following the adoption of international competitive tendering procedures, while 76.8% noted enhanced compliance with quality standards and specifications. The study found that international competitive tendering increased access to qualified suppliers by 68.4%, reduced substandard deliveries by 72.1%, and enhanced value for money by 79.3% compared to restricted tendering methods. Additionally, the research established that projects procured through international competitive tendering demonstrated 84.3% compliance with technical specifications compared to 58.7% compliance under limited tendering approaches. The study concluded that international competitive tendering significantly improved quality management outcomes in Wakiso Local Government through enhanced competition, access to qualified suppliers, rigorous evaluation processes, and adherence to international standards. Recommendations included strengthening technical capacity for tender evaluation, enhancing monitoring and quality assurance mechanisms, promoting wider dissemination of tender opportunities, investing in contract management capabilities, and establishing systematic supplier performance evaluation systems to sustain quality improvements achieved through international competitive tendering practices.

This study investigated the effect of the period debtors take to clear their debts and financial performance of UNICEF Uganda. The research employed a cross-sectional survey design utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to examine how debtor payment periods influenced the financial health and operational effectiveness of the organization. Data were collected from 186 respondents, including finance officers, accounts receivable staff, program managers, budget analysts, senior management, and selected partner organizations in UNICEF Uganda. The study utilized questionnaires, interview guides, and financial document analysis as primary data collection instruments. Results revealed a significant negative relationship between debtor payment periods and financial performance (r = -0.742, p < 0.001). The findings indicated that 79.6% of respondents reported that prolonged debtor payment periods negatively affected cash flow management, while 76.3% noted adverse impacts on program implementation timelines. The study found that average debtor collection periods of 87.4 days significantly constrained liquidity, with 68.8% of receivables exceeding the standard 60-day payment terms. Additionally, the research established that extended debtor payment periods reduced working capital efficiency by 64.2%, increased borrowing costs by 42.7%, and delayed program activities in 71.5% of cases where payments were overdue beyond 90 days. The study concluded that prolonged debtor payment periods significantly undermined financial performance in UNICEF Uganda through cash flow constraints, reduced operational efficiency, increased financing costs, and delayed achievement of programmatic objectives. Recommendations included implementing stricter credit management policies, enhancing debtor assessment and monitoring systems, establishing clear payment terms with enforcement mechanisms, strengthening follow-up procedures for overdue accounts, and developing strategic partnerships that prioritized timely settlement of obligations to ensure optimal financial performance and uninterrupted program delivery.

Gender-based violence (GBV) constitutes a pervasive human rights violation that significantly impedes women's livelihood opportunities and economic empowerment. This study examined the relationship between gender-based violence and female gender livelihood in Isingiro District, Western Uganda. The study employed a descriptive cross- sectional research design utilizing mixed methods approaches. A sample of 80 respondents comprising women survivors of GBV, community leaders, local government officials, and civil society representatives was selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. Analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and thematic content analysis. The study revealed that 67.5% of female respondents experienced some form of GBV during their lifetime, with intimate partner violence being most prevalent (52.5%). Physical violence showed the strongest negative correlation with livelihood outcomes (χ² = 24.387, p < 0.01). Economic violence directly constrained women's productive activities, with 71.3% of survivors reporting reduced income-generating capacity. Psychological violence correlated significantly with limited livelihood decision-making autonomy (χ² = 18.742, p < 0.05). Sexual violence survivors demonstrated 43.8% lower agricultural productivity compared to non-survivors. GBV survivors faced multiple livelihood barriers including restricted resource access (68.8%), limited market participation (61.3%), and reduced household bargaining power (73.8%). Gender-based violence significantly undermined female livelihood security and economic empowerment in Isingiro District. GBV created cascading effects reducing women's productive capacity, restricting resource control, limiting market participation, and perpetuating poverty cycles. The intersection of patriarchal norms, economic dependency, and institutional inadequacies sustained GBV prevalence and constrained survivors' livelihood recovery. The Government of Uganda should strengthen GBV prevention and response mechanisms through adequately resourced protection services, accessible justice systems, and economic

Labour turnover represented a critical human resource challenge affecting organizational performance across various industries. BODMAS Investments Limited, a diversified investment company operating in Uganda's manufacturing, real estate, and hospitality sectors, experienced escalating employee turnover rates that potentially undermined operational efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Understanding the specific impact of labour turnover on business performance became essential for strategic human resource management and organizational sustainability. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. A sample of 95 respondents was selected from BODMAS Investments Limited employees and management using stratified random sampling. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Secondary data was extracted from company records covering employee turnover statistics, financial performance indicators, and operational metrics for the period 2020-2023. Quantitative analysis utilized SPSS version 26, employing descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression to establish relationships between labour turnover and performance variables. The findings revealed that labour turnover significantly and negatively impacted business performance at BODMAS Investments Limited. The correlation analysis showed strong negative relationships between turnover rates and productivity (r=-0.781, p<0.01), profitability (r=-0.724, p<0.01), and service quality (r=- 0.693, p<0.01). Annual turnover rates averaged 28.5% over the study period, substantially exceeding industry benchmarks of 15%. Regression analysis indicated that labour turnover explained 67% of variance in overall business performance. Recruitment and training costs associated with turnover consumed approximately 18% of annual operational budgets, while productivity losses during transition periods averaged 35% below optimal levels. Labour turnover exerted substantial detrimental effects on BODMAS Investments Limited's business performance across financial, operational, and service quality dimensions. High turnover rates created cascading negative impacts

The study examined the relationship between internal controls and organizational profitability of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). The research adopted a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, targeting 156 staff members from finance, procurement, revenue collection, internal audit, and management departments. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, analyzed through Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and thematic analysis. Results revealed significant positive relationships between internal control components and organizational profitability. Control environment demonstrated the strongest correlation with profitability (r = 0.728, p < 0.001), followed by monitoring activities (r = 0.694, p < 0.001), control activities (r = 0.671, p < 0.001), risk assessment (r = 0.648, p < 0.001), and information and communication (r = 0.612, p < 0.001). The multiple regression model indicated that internal control systems collectively explained 68.4% of variance in organizational profitability (R² = 0.684, F = 71.38, p < 0.001). KCCA divisions with robust internal controls demonstrated 34.7% higher revenue collection efficiency, 28.3% lower operational costs, and 41.2% fewer financial irregularities compared to divisions with weak controls. The study concluded that effective internal controls constituted critical determinants of public sector organizational profitability, enhancing revenue generation, expenditure management, and institutional sustainability. Recommendations included strengthening control environments through ethical leadership, implementing integrated financial management systems, enhancing internal audit independence, and conducting regular control effectiveness assessments.

The study examined the relationship between adoption of online tax systems and financial performance of small-scale enterprises (SSEs) in Wakiso District, Uganda. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted to assess how online tax systems including e-registration, e-filing, e-payment, and digital tax compliance affect financial performance. The target population comprised registered SSEs in Wakiso District, with a sample size of 371 respondents determined using Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) sample size table. A total of 350 valid responses were obtained, representing a response rate of 94.3%. Descriptive statistics including means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages were generated to summarize respondents’ characteristics and key variables. Regression analysis further showed that adoption of online tax systems significantly predicts financial performance, with a regression coefficient of β = 0.690 (p = 0.000), indicating that a one-unit increase in adoption leads to a 0.690-unit improvement in financial performance. The coefficient of determination (R² = 0.546) suggests that 54.6% of the variation in financial performance is explained by adoption of online tax systems. The study concludes that effective adoption of online tax systems enhances profitability, efficiency, and financial stability of SSEs and recommends improving system usability, technical support, and taxpayer education.

The microfinance sector in Uganda witnessed technological transformation as institutions increasingly adopted automated teller machine (ATM) banking services to enhance accessibility and convenience. UGAFODE Microfinance Limited Nansana Branch deployed ATM infrastructure to serve its growing customer base, recognizing that customer satisfaction remained critical for retention and competitive positioning in the evolving financial services landscape. The study employed a correlational research design to examine the relationship between ATM banking services and customer satisfaction. A sample of 120 respondents was selected from UGAFODE Nansana Branch's ATM users through simple random sampling. Data was collected using structured questionnaires measuring ATM service quality dimensions and customer satisfaction levels. Quantitative analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and linear regression to establish relationships between variables. Reliability was tested using Cronbach's Alpha coefficient. The findings revealed a strong positive relationship between ATM banking services and customer satisfaction (r=0.768, p<0.01). ATM accessibility showed the strongest correlation with satisfaction (r=0.742, p<0.01), followed by transaction speed (r=0.689, p<0.01), system reliability (r=0.671, p<0.01), and security features (r=0.623, p<0.01). Regression analysis indicated that ATM service quality explained 59% of variance in customer satisfaction. However, 34% of respondents reported occasional service disruptions, and 28% expressed concerns about ATM network coverage. ATM banking services significantly enhanced customer satisfaction at UGAFODE Nansana Branch. Service accessibility, reliability, and efficiency emerged as critical determinants of satisfaction levels, while service disruptions and limited network coverage represented key challenges requiring institutional attention. UGAFODE should expand ATM network coverage, implement proactive maintenance protocols, enhance security infrastructure, integrate mobile banking linkages, and establish 24/7 customer support systems to maximize satisfaction and competitive advantage.