Institutions In Uganda Research Articles

Sustainable innovations in developing economies: a woven theoretical approach with qualitative evidence from Uganda

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to present a theoretical framework that utilizes a success story to elucidate sustainable innovations in Ugandan financial institutions. It provides valuable insights from the standpoint of a developing African nation.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilized a qualitative methodology, specifically in-depth interviews with employees of Stanbic Bank Uganda. A story was constructed to depict their pragmatic experiences, emphasizing the contextual backdrop, actions taken, outcomes and lessons learned. The 12th participant marked the point of data collecting saturation.FindingsThe results suggest that financial institutions that use sustainable solutions are able to mitigate operational risks, cut costs, increase revenue and achieve long-term success. Institutional logics exert a significant influence on the behavior, practices and decision-making processes of individuals or organizations, hence impacting their inclination toward innovation and openness to change. While organizational resilience facilitates the ability to change, maintain excellence and remain competitive. Networks facilitate the exchange of information across institutions, enabling them to stay updated on market trends, regulatory changes and emerging risks. This, in turn, assists in making educated decisions.Originality/valueThis study is innovative in its utilization of a success story to exemplify sustainable improvements in financial institutions in Uganda. While several studies exist world over on sustainable innovations, this study is the first to use a success story and proposes a theoretical model that illustrates how institutional logics, networks and organizational resilience contribute to the development of sustainable innovations in a developing country.

The drivers and barriers influencing the commercialization of innovations at research and innovation institutions in Uganda: a systemic, infrastructural, and financial approach

Research and innovation (R&I) institutions must commercialize their innovations to remain competitive in a knowledge-based economy. While R&I institutions in Uganda have the potential to drive socioeconomic development, a clear understanding of the commercialization pathway is lacking. This study aims to bridge this gap by analyzing the systemic, infrastructural, and financial factors that drive and hinder the commercialization of innovations at R&I institutions in Uganda. This study offers the first comprehensive examination of the systemic, infrastructural, and financial dimensions influencing innovation commercialization within Uganda's R&I ecosystem, presenting new empirical evidence on the prioritized barriers and drivers as perceived by key stakeholders. Employing a mixed-method approach, this study uniquely combines quantitative surveys with qualitative case studies and key informant interviews, enabling a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted drivers of and barriers to innovation commercialization in Uganda. The study employed the Delphi technique to identify consensus among key informants. The findings highlight the urgent barriers to address, including fragmented R&I ecosystems, inadequate support infrastructure, such as technology transfer offices, and significant gaps in innovation financing. These issues underscore the urgent need for targeted policy interventions. Based on our findings, we recommend the establishment of a national innovation fund, enhancement of public private partnerships for R&D infrastructure development, and formulation of a cohesive national policy framework to streamline commercialization processes at R&I institutions. This study provides policymakers with a data-driven foundation to craft targeted interventions aimed at removing the identified barriers, thereby catalyzing the commercialization of innovations in Uganda's R&I institutions.

Dissemination of medical research findings among medical researchers in a tertiary institution in Uganda

Background: Dissemination of research findings is a key obligation for researchers. It increases access to evidence and the ability to use and apply the evidence. Repackaging of research findings to inform policy and practice is not yet embraced in many low-and-middle income countries that have under-resourced health care systems. Objective: To determine the methods of communication of research findings by researchers at the Makerere University College of Health Sciences as well as the facilitators and barriers faced while disseminating the findings. Methods: This was a concurrent nested mixed-methods study among researchers. Key informant interviews and self-administered questionnaires were used. The collected Qualitative data was examined through thematic analysis. Quantitative data were analysed with STATA version 15.0, analysing categorical variables using frequencies and percentages. Results: Of 176 researchers involved in the quantitative survey, more than half (60%, n=106) were males and 40.9%(n=84/176) were lecturers. The most used dissemination method was journal publications (71.6%, n=126) followed by presentations in conferences/workshops (62.5%, n=110). Twelve researchers participated as key informant interviewees. Themes that emerged included: benefits, facilitators and challenges faced in research communication. Conclusions: Research findings are commonly disseminated through journals and conference presentations. However, researchers face challenges like financial constraints, time limitations, and misrepresentation of findings. Keywords: Dissemination of medical research; Journal Publication; Community engagement.

Adequacy of Pharmacovigilance Training in the Health Professional Training Institutions in Uganda: Training Gaps and Opportunities for Improvement

Adequacy of Pharmacovigilance Training in the Health Professional Training Institutions in Uganda: Training Gaps and Opportunities for Improvement

Assessment of female students' perception on access and utilization of water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management in higher education institutions in Uganda

AbstractThe main purpose of this study was to assess female students' perception of access and utilization of water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management in HEIs. A qualitative research design was embraced, and it was exploratory while gathering responses from the participating respondents using semi‐structured interviews, focus group discussions and observation from course coordinators from six faculties, students guild leadership, and selected university managers who were purposively selected and regarded to be more knowledgeable with university affairs as far as learners' social welfare was concerned. The study found that many students did not have adequate access to water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management. They also lack adequate menstrual hygiene management education and their rights to sanitation and water facilities for menstruation management in terms of the menstrual cycle, the importance of washing body parts, and the issue of stigma during the menstruation period. The study recommended that the Directorate of Gender at the university should review and work very closely with the Department of Estates and Works to improve the maintenance and provision of water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management.

Enhancing Child Protection Education for ECD Teacher Trainees: An Analysis of Tutors’ and Trainees’ Learning Experiences in Selected Institutions in Uganda

Enhancing Child Protection Education for ECD Teacher Trainees: An Analysis of Tutors’ and Trainees’ Learning Experiences in Selected Institutions in Uganda

Academic Freedom, Institutional Autonomy in Higher Education Institutions in Uganda: Policy, Legal and Ethical Tensions

Academic Freedom, Institutional Autonomy in Higher Education Institutions in Uganda: Policy, Legal and Ethical Tensions

Leadership's Role in Facilitating Faculty Professional Development for Technology Integration

This study explores the function of leadership in supporting faculty professional development for technology integration in educational institutions. Key themes about the role of leadership in fostering successful technology integration were identified through qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with 125 participants, including administrators and instructors from 10 educational institutions in Uganda. Establishing the vision and strategic direction, allocating resources and building infrastructure, professional development programs initiative and support mechanisms, recognizing and rewarding technology integration, fostering an innovative and collaborative culture, assessment, and ongoing improvement are some of these themes. The results draw attention to the various roles that leadership plays in fostering an atmosphere that supports technology-enhanced teaching and learning. In addition to providing useful advice for practitioners, policymakers, and educational leaders looking to foster innovation and quality in learning environments, this study advances our understanding of leadership in educational technology.

A Meta-analysis of Corporate Governance and Financial Performance of Financial Institutions in Uganda

Purpose: The objectives of this meta-analysis are to look at how corporate governance practices affect firm value, how financial performance indicators and firm value relate to each other, how corporate governance affects economic performance, and how financial performance functions as a mediator in the relationship between corporate governance and firm value. Methodology: A desk methodology was used in this investigation. Secondary data collection is a common term used to describe a desk study research design. Because it is less expensive than field research, gathering data from already existing resources is preferred. Because the data was readily available through online journals and libraries, our current study examined previously published studies and reports. Findings: Research on the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and firm performance is complicated, with conflicting results pointing to both beneficial and detrimental consequences. Robust corporate governance practices, such as CEO duality, ownership structure, board independence, and audit quality, are generally linked to increased firm performance. These systems improve the organization's strategic decision-making, accountability, and transparency, which improves financial results and lowers agency costs and shareholder value. However, a variety of contextual factors, including industry dynamics, legal frameworks, and cultural norms, can affect how effective these mechanisms are. While some research emphasizes the beneficial relationship between corporate governance practices and firm performance, other research raises concerns about possible drawbacks and emphasizes the necessity of ongoing adjustment to shifting market conditions. Implications to Theory, Practice, and Policy: Potential theoretical frameworks for future research evaluating the effects of corporate governance mechanisms on firm performance in Uganda include agency theory, stewardship theory, and resource dependence theory. To increase governance effectiveness, practitioners should give priority to increasing board independence and diversity. Legislators ought to impose legal frameworks that encourage accountability, openness, and moral conduct in corporate governance procedures.

Intellectual Capital and Performance of Staff at Selected Institutions of Higher Learning in Uganda

Purpose: The study examined the relationship between intellectual capital and performance of staff at selected institutions in Uganda. The specific objectives were; i) To establish the relationship between human capital and performance of staff at selected institutions of higher learning in Uganda; ii) To establish the relationship between relational capital and performance of staff in selected institutions of higher learning in Uganda and iii) To establish the relationship between structural capital and performance of staff in selected institutions of higher learning in Uganda. Methodology: A cross-sectional design was used alongside a quantitative approach whereby a questionnaire was employed to collect the data from the 103 respondents who included lecturers from 10 selected institutions of higher learning. The results were computed using multiple regression and correlation analysis using SPSS and upon analysis, Findings: The outcomes exposed that; a) human capital has a positive but significant relationship with performance of staff at selected institutions of higher learning in Uganda (r = .536**, p<0.0001); b) there is a moderate relationship between relational capital and performance of staff at selected institutions of higher learning in Uganda (r = .374**, p>0.0001); c) there is a positive and very significant relationship between structural capital and performance of staff at selected institutions of higher learning in Uganda (r = .586**, p<0.0001). Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The research outcome undertakes that private institutions do not give attention to developing relational capital although it’s a very important aspect. It is also imperative to note that more resources are invested in the structural capital given its serious and observable impact on performance if it is put to utmost utilization. The study empirically differentiates the impacts of human, relational and structural capital on staff performance in institutions of higher learning offering context-specific insights and practically underscores the investment in structural and relational capital and continuous human capital development guiding resource allocation and policy formulation to enhance staff performance in Uganda.

Risk Management Strategy on Financial Performance of Micro Finance Institutions in Uganda: A Case of Rushere Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization in Kiruhura District

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) play a crucial role in promoting international and local development goals, especially in the context of poverty reduction, economic empowerment, and financial inclusion. MFIs provide financial services, such as microloans and savings accounts, to low-income individuals and small businesses. These services are intended to help people lift themselves out of poverty by providing access to capital for income generating activities. Many of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, such as no poverty, zero hunger, and gender equality, can be furthered through the work of MFIs. However, it's essential to note that the impact of MFIs varies depending on the specific institution, its approach, and the regulatory environment in which it operates. While microfinance has the potential to be a powerful tool for development, it is not a panacea and must be implemented effectively to achieve the desired outcomes. Consequently, MFIs face various risks in their operations, which impact their financial stability and ability to achieve their social and economic development goals. To manage these risks effectively, MFIs need to implement robust risk management strategies. The specific objective of carrying out this study was to examine the extent to which risk management influences the financial performance of Rushere Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization in Kiruhura Uganda. The research questions focused on risk assessment, diversification of portfolio, credit risk management, member education, technology risk management, and insurance risk coverage. This study was based on a quantitative research approach. The study was underpinned by the modern portfolio theory. A descriptive research design was used to obtain the responses that were later statistically described in quantified formats. The study considered a target population of 160 people from which a sample size of 127 respondents was selected for this study. Both Stratified proportionate sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used to select individual respondents in their strata. Structured self-administered questionnaires were used for primary data collection. Data was analyzed by the use of inferential statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 24.0. The study established a significant positive relationship between risk management and financial performance (β1=-124, p=0.000<0.05). The study concluded that there is a strong positive relationship between risk management and financial performance. The study recommended the implementation of risk management strategies to enhance the performance of SACCOs. Keywords: Risk Management, Performance, Strategy, SACCOs

Institutional pressures and risk governance: testing the mediation role of collectivist orientation among financial institutions in Uganda

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is twofold: to examine the relationship between institutional pressures and risk governance in financial institutions (FIs) in Uganda and to establish mediational role of collectivist orientation in the relationship between institutional pressures and risk governance in financial institutions in Uganda.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts a cross-sectional and quantitative research design. The authors employed Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (SmartPLS 3.3.0 for professionals) to test hypotheses.FindingsThe results indicate that institutional pressures is significantly associated with risk governance in FIs. The study also finds collectivist orientation partially mediates the relationship between institutional pressures and risk governance in FIs in Uganda.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study provides initial empirical evidence on the relationship between institutional pressures, collectivist orientation and risk governance using evidence from a developing African country – Uganda. Additionally, this study provides an initial evidence of the mediating role of collectivist orientation in the relationship between institutional pressures and risk governance in FIs.

Informed consent in cancer clinical care: Perspectives of healthcare professionals on information disclosure at a tertiary institution in Uganda.

While there have been several studies examining the understanding and quality of informed consent in clinical trials of cancer therapies, there is limited empirical research on health practitioners' experiences on the informed consent process in cancer care, especially from low resource settings. This study explored health professionals' perspectives on information disclosure during the consenting process in cancer care. A qualitative descriptive approach was used to collect data. Face to face interviews were conducted with 10 purposively selected healthcare professionals who were actively involved in soliciting informed consent at a cancer treatment centre in Uganda. A thematic approach was used to interpret the results. There were five key themes, and these included information disclosure to patients; assessment of patients' cancer awareness, treatment preferences and expectations; informed consent practices; barriers to optimal informed consent and information disclosure; and recommendations for improving the consenting process. All respondents appreciated the value of disclosing accurate information to patients to facilitate informed decision making. However, the informed consent process was deemed sub-optimal. Respondents asserted that patients should be the psychological wellbeing of patients should be protected by mentally preparing them before disclosing potentially distressing information. All healthcare professionals were appreciative of the central role the family plays in the consenting process. Overall, informed consent practices were not ideal because of the several challenges. Inadequate time is devoted to information disclosure and patient education; there is lack of privacy; and informed consent documentation is poor. There is a need for significant improvement in informed consent practices and healthcare professional-patient communication.

Self-organization, networks and sustainable innovations in microfinance institutions: Does organizational resilience matter?

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the interplay among self-organization, networks and sustainable innovations within microfinance institutions (MFIs) and to examine the extent to which organizational resilience plays a significant role in shaping these dynamics as a mediator.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopted a cross-sectional research design combined with analytical and descriptive approach to collect the data. Smart partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to construct the measurement model and structural equation model to test the mediating effect under this study.FindingsThe results revealed that organizational resilience is a significant mediator in the relationship between self-organization, networks and sustainable innovations among microfinance institutions in Uganda.Research limitations/implicationsThe data for this study were collected only from microfinance institutions in Uganda. Future studies may collect data from other formal financial institutions like commercial banks and credit institutions to test the mediating effect of organizational resilience. More still, the study adopted only a single approach of using a questionnaire. However, future research through interviews may be desirable. Likewise this study was cross-sectional in nature. Therefore, a longitudinal study may be useful in future while investigating the mediating role of organizational resilience traversing over a long time frame.Practical implicationsA possible implication is that microfinance institutions which desire to have sustainable innovative solutions for their business operations in disruptive circumstances may need to scrutinize their capacity to be resilient and self-organize.Social implicationsMicrofinance institutions play a great role to the underserved clients. Thus, for each to re-organize to be able to provide services that meet users’ needs, without physical products so as to ensure long-term financial and social welfare combined with the ability to bounce back and adapt in times of economic downturn to avoid mission adrift.Originality/valueWhile most studies have been carried out on organizational resilience, this paper takes center stage and is the first to test the mediating role of organizational resilience in the relationship between self-organization, networks and sustainable innovations, especially in microfinance institutions in Uganda. This paper generates strong evidence and contributes to the powerful influence of organizational resilience in enhancing the level of sustainable innovations based on self-organization and networks.

Craving for Knowledge: The Urge to Access Online Reading Materials by Students during Scientific Research Writing, a Case of Urban Universities of Uganda

Addressing concerns related to online reading materials is paramount as the internet establishes itself as the defining medium for literacy in higher education institutions among the current generation. Globally current debates consistently underscore the relevance of online reading materials to scientific research writing among university students. The current study explored the students’ urge to access online reading materials based on four selected universities in an urban geographical context of Uganda. Using a cross-sectional exploratory research design comprised of mixed approaches, we used descriptive statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to investigate the disparity in accessed online reading materials across the universities. An ordinal logistic model established the factors that influence access to online reading materials. The study revealed that university students exhibited moderate utilisation of online resources, primarily accessing materials through platforms like MyLOFT, Google Scholar, University online catalogs, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) and Directory of Open Access Books (DOAB). Additionally, the findings underscored notable variations in the mode of access across the studied universities, with access influenced by factors such as sex, type of degree pursued, availability of university ICT equipment, and the research level of students. These insights shed light on the need for tailored strategies to enhance online reading materials accessibility and to support diverse student populations in their academic pursuits, such as subscribing to the publishers of scientific journals. This may improve students’ scientific research writing skills and completion rate, which have remained a formidable challenge in higher education institutions in Uganda.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Perception of Tutors Towards Inter-Professional Education: A Case Study at Uganda Institute of Allied Health and Management Sciences

With the increasing acknowledgment of the benefits of interprofessional education in the training of the health workforce, the awareness and attitudes of tutors towards this emerging concept are paramount for effectiveness in bringing out the intended outcomes. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of tutors towards interprofessional education at the Uganda Institute of Allied Health and Management Sciences. A cross-sectional descriptive mixed study design was adopted and questionnaires were administered to health tutors of the different programs at the Uganda Institute of Allied Health and Management Sciences. Findings revealed that the majority (77.8%), of the tutors lacked knowledge of the concept 63% demonstrated positive attitudes and perceptions towards IPE. It was concluded that despite the tutors’ paucity of knowledge of IPE, their attitudes and perceptions are positive, implying that if they got adequate training and facilitation upon IPE and its practices, they would gain awareness and better their confidence in facilitating and supervising training and managing conflicts that would arise during implementation of IPE. It was recommended that the National Council of Higher Education (NCHE) with support from the Ministry of Education and Sports interest themselves in this innovation and offer training to the tutors as IPE is considered in the pipeline for a better healthcare workforce production, capacitation and strengthening.

The Interaction Effect of Stakeholder Engagement on Managerial Competencies- Financial Performance Nexus; Empirical Evidence from Microfinance Institutions in Uganda

Purpose: This study examined the moderation effect of stakeholder management on the relationship between managerial competencies and financial performance of MFIs in Uganda. Materials and Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design, adopting a quantitative approach. This design was preferred because it does not require follow-up on the respondents as would be the case with a longitudinal design. The study used a structured self-administered questionnaire to collect data from the senior managers of 76 MFIs in Uganda. MFIs were selected using stratified simple random sampling while purposive sampling was applied to select senior management. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis using SPSS was employed to test the hypothesis. Hierarchical regression was preferred to other techniques because of its capacity to indicate what happens to the model as different predictor variables are introduced. Findings: Empirical findings from this study revealed that the financial performance of MFIs in Uganda is explained by managerial competencies and the relationship is moderated by stakeholder management. The results concretize that managerial competencies and stakeholder management fuse to influence financial performance. The study revealed that managerial competencies (β= .65, p<.001) and stakeholder management (β=.61, p<.001) are significant antecedents, accounting for a substantial 58% of the variance in the financial performance of MFIs (R2=.58, p<.001). Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The present study has confirmed that managerial competencies are a multidimensional predictor comprising of skills, knowledge, and abilities of the management team. It emerged that stakeholder management is a potent predictor with the potential to strengthen the effect of managerial competencies on financial performance. The study addresses mixed findings in the literature on financial performance and confirms upper-echelons and the stakeholder theory.

The Mediation Effect of Competitive Advantage on Managerial Competencies-Financial Performance Nexus of Microfinance Institutions in Uganda

Purpose: This study examined the mediating effect of competitive advantage in the relationship between managerial competencies and financial performance of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Uganda.
 Materials and Methods: Adopting a cross-sectional design and a quantitative approach, the study covered 94 Ugandan microfinance institutions, which are members of the Association of Microfinance Institutions in Uganda (AMFIU) in all regions of Uganda. A sample size of 76 MFIs was utilized to collect questionnaire data. The mediating effect of competitive advantage was tested using Hierarchical regression while
 Findings: The study established that competitive advantage partially mediates the relationship between managerial competencies and the financial performance of MFIs in Uganda. The study also concluded that MFIs that survive competition are only those that nourish their competitive strategies and refine their strategic direction, thus improving their financial performance.
 Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends MFIs design policies aimed at attracting competent managers with the relevant skills, knowledge, and abilities. Besides investment in physical capital, MFIs should devise deliberate competitive strategies aimed at enhancing their ability to develop attributes that allow them to outperform their competitors.

Perspectives on Online Education in Higher Education

This inquiry explores the opinions of lecturers and students on the advantages and difficulties of switching from traditional face-to-face mode to online mode of delivery in Ugandan higher education institutions during and even after the COVID-19 pandemic. The study investigates participants' perspectives and experiences regarding the benefits and downsides of online learning. The study's results shed light on the advantages of online learning, such as its adaptability and accessibility, more learning chances, improved engagement and interaction, and promotion of self-directed learning abilities. The inquiry also reveals concerns with technology, pedagogical adaptation, motivation and engagement, evaluation and academic integrity, equity, and inclusiveness. Based on the findings, suggestions are made for improving online education in Uganda's higher education institutions, including investing in technological infrastructure, fostering pedagogical adaptation, encouraging student engagement and motivation, improving assessment procedures and academic integrity, promoting equity and inclusion, and continuously assessing and improving the online learning environment. These suggestions can help higher education institutions in Uganda maximize the advantages of online learning while minimizing its drawbacks, resulting in a more inclusive, interesting, and productive learning environment for students in online settings.

Exploring Barriers to ICT Integration and Gender Inclusivity in Physics Teaching: A Study in Teacher Training Institutions in Uganda

This study investigates the challenges hindering the incorporation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and gender inclusivity in physics teaching within Teacher Training Institutions (TTIs) in Uganda. Employing a mixed-method approach, data was collected from administrators and physics lecturers through interviews, questionnaires, observation, and document analysis. Findings reveal a multitude of barriers including limited access to technology, gender stereotypes, inadequate teacher training, and institutional policies. These obstacles underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to promote ICT integration and gender equity in physics education. Recommendations are proposed to address these challenges and enhance the quality and inclusivity of physics teaching in Ugandan TTIs.