Faculty of Business and Development Studies

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    A qualitative exploration of fermented milk processing traditionally practiced by the pokot ethnic group of Karamoja in Uganda
    (Elsevier, 2026-07-09) Owiny Emmanuel; Oyet Sunday Mark; Chemutai Doreen; Kitambo Enos; Muggaga Christopher; Okello Uma-Ipolto
    Traditional food processing methods have the potential to combat malnutrition while providing sustainable livelihoods in communities such as the Karamojong devasted by a high burden of malnutrition and associated health consequences. The purpose of the current study was to document the traditional milk processing among the Pokot community in Karamoja subregion of Uganda, specifically focusing on the sour milk. A qualitative study involving five key informants and 46 Focus Group Discussion (FGD) participants was employed. We found that traditional knowledge of fermenting milk is passed by the older women to younger generations while in their childhood. We also observed that the Pokot ethnic community used burnt plant parts for treating fermentation vessels. Calabash or gourds were the most common fermentation vessels though some households used plastic jerricans as fermentation vessels. A traditionally fermented milk locally known as lolon, follows seven key steps: cleaning of the gourds, milking, sieving, boiling, defatting, fermentation, and draining. Our study demonstrates that milk processing by traditional methods by the Pokot ethnic community is culturally entrenched, initiated when the women are at a young age. Cultural identity associated with the milk processing among the Pokot reinforces food systems, therefore, we recommend the need for further empirical research beyond the current exploration such as innovations for improving and optimizing the process steps to improve food security and nutrition among the Pokot community in Karamoja subregion.
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    ADOPTION OF CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES AND RESILIENCE TO CLIMATE VARIABILITY OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS. A CASE OF “FROM CLIMATE VICTIMS TO CLIMATE HEROES” PROJECT IN OMORO DISTRICT
    (Gulu University, 2026-10-19) Mukisa Daniel
    This study examined the effect of climate-smart agricultural practices on the resilience to Climate Variability of smallholder farmers, focusing on the “From Climate Victims to Climate Heroes” project in Omoro District, Uganda. This study addressed specific objectives that were to investigate the level of adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, assess the level of resilience of smallholder farmers, and analyze the relationship between climate-smart agricultural adoption and resilience. A quantitative approach was employed using a quasi-experimental design. Data was collected from selected sub-counties in Omoro District, including Koro, Bobi, and Lakwana using questionnaire method. The Sample size comprised of 381 respondents combining beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the project. The results showed that beneficiaries were much more likely than non-beneficiaries to practice climate-smart farming, particularly agroforestry, mixed farming, and the adoption of climate-smart crop varieties, highlighting the success of the intervention in encouraging smallholder farmers to adopt climate-resilient agricultural practices. The intervention has a positive impact on strengthening the resilience of smallholder farmers to face climate challenges because the beneficiaries are more resilient than the non-beneficiaries, having higher production, higher income and better access to the carbon market. The outcomes for smallholder farmers are significantly better in the event of their participation in the “From Climate Victims to Climate Heroes” project, irrespective of the matching methodology, as they will get greater production, income and market access to the carbon market. The research suggests some specific actions that can be taken by governments, NGOs, research institutions and smallholder farmers. Governments should include climate-smart agriculture in national agricultural policy, enhance the infrastructure in rural areas, and enable smallholders to benefit from carbon markets. Participatory training and engagement of vulnerable groups should be the focus of NGOs. Research institutions are encouraged to experiment with context-specific climate-smart agriculture models and create resilience indicators. Smallholder farmers are advised to practice integrated farming methods, to organize themselves into groups and share their knowledge and experience so as to increase their capacity to respond collectively.
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    AUDIT QUALITY AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY IN NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS IN NORTHERN UGANDA: THE CASE OF SELECTED NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS IN GULU CITY_2024_pdf
    (Gulu University, 2024-12-08) Ojok Victor
    This study sought to establish the relationship between audit quality and financial accountability in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Gulu City. Specifically, this ought to have answered the following questions, how is audit quality assessed in selected NGOs in Gulu city? How is financial accountability carried out in selected NGOs in Gulu City? What is the relationship between audit quality and financial accountability in selected NGOs in Gulu City? To what extent does accounting policies moderate the relationship between audit quality and financial accountability in selected NGOs in Gulu City? The study was done between February 2024 to June 2024. The study was done in selected NGOs in Gulu city. A cross-sectional research design was applied to investigate the different players in the audit quality and financial accountability, which comprised of; Internal auditor, Finance Departments, Program Departments, Monitoring & Evaluation Department. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative data analytical methods. Data was collected by use of structured questionnaires and interview guides. Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sampling technique was used to select 67 sample size from a population of 70 people. The findings were presented by use of tables and charts with frequencies, valid percentages and model Summary, ANOVA was run to determine the relationship between audit quality and financial accountability in selected NGOs in Gulu city. The findings indicate that there is a correlation between audit quality and financial accountability in most of the NGOs in Gulu city such as World Vision (Gulu), Love one international (Gulu), Save the Children International (Gulu), SOS Children Village Uganda (Gulu), Carita Gulu, Gulu Women Economic Development and Globalization (GWED-G) and Thrive Gulu. This has built on the confident of staff, management and other key stakeholders to the organization. In conclusion therefore, financial accountability is a key factor in the running of every organization that needs to be taken seriously. However, financial accountability also needs to be carried out hand in hand with audit quality. Cash is the blood that runs through the veins of every organization and it’s a daily activity like recording the date of receipt, its accounting as well as the date of depositing the cheque-draft to the bank account are the same and needs a responsible person who will be responsible for managing all bank transactions.
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    BUDGET MANAGEMENT AND QUALITY OF HEALTHCARE SERVICE DELIVERY: A STUDY OF OMORO DISTRICT LOCAL GOVERNMENT
    (Gulu University, 2026-10) OTTO, JUSTINE
    This study examined the effect of budget management on the quality of healthcare service delivery in Omoro District Local Government. The study was guided by four objectives: to assess budget management practices, to examine the quality of healthcare service delivery, to determine the relationship between budget management practices and healthcare service delivery, and to establish the moderating effect of external audit on this relationship. The study was grounded in Budgetary Theory and Public Choice Theory. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted using a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected from a sample of 133 respondents, including staff of Omoro District Local Government and key informants from health facilities and Village Health Teams. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, applying descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that budget management in Omoro District Local Government were highly implemented in terms of planning, preparation, implementation, and control. The quality of healthcare service delivery was found to be moderate, indicating that while services are being provided, several challenges still exist. The study further established that budget management have a significant positive effect on the quality of healthcare service delivery, particularly budget planning, implementation, and control, while budget preparation was not significant. In addition, external audit was found to significantly moderate the relationship between budget management and quality of healthcare service delivery, strengthening the effect of budget management on service quality. The study concludes that effective budget management, supported by strong external audit systems, are critical in improving the quality of healthcare service delivery. It recommends strengthening budget implementation and control systems, improving resource allocation to health facilities, enhancing audit follow-up mechanisms, and ensuring timely release of funds to local governments in order to enhance quality of healthcare service delivery.
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    CAPACITY BUILDING INITIATIVES AND MAIZE PRODUCI*ION PERFORMANCE AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS; A CASE STUDY OF RESILIENCE AND LIVELIHOOD PROJECr IN OYAM DISTRICT
    (Gulu University, 2026) ADONGO CAROLINE
    This tudy examined the influence Of capacity-building initiatives on maize productionperformance among smallholder farmers in Oyam District, Uganda. Specifically, it assessed the nature of capacity-building efforts, evaluated maize production outcomes, explored the link between capacity building and performance, and considered how environmental factors shaped this relationship. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were collected from 157 respondents, including 138 smallholder maize farmers, 05 extension workers, IO local leaders, and 04 NGO representatives, using surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS Version 25, applying descriptive statistics and correlation and regression analysis, while qualitative data were examined through thematic content analysis. The findings reveal that farmers' capacity building is positively correlation to farmers' capacity building and maize production performance. Farmers' capacity building is strongly associated with maize production performance, with training and peer learning emerging as the most influential factors compared to mentoring alone. The study found that environmental factors do not moderate the relationship between farmers' capacity building and maize production performance. In conclusion, capacity-building initiatives have made a clear and lasting contribution to maize farming outcomes in Oyam District. Farmers who participated in these programs adopted more effective practices, gained confidence, and improved resilience, though broader support and policy alignment are needed to address persistent environmental and market challenges. The study recommends that smallholder farmers, NGOs, government, extension workers, and local leaders should work together to expand practical, decentralized training, strengthen farmer groups, and improve access to quality inputs, credit, and markets. Continued investment in rural infrastructure, strong extension services, and coordinated field demonstrations will support consistent learning and adoption Of improved agronomic and climate-smart practices across all communities.
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    CASH MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF HOTELS IN UGANDA: THE CASE OF SELECTED 3-STARS HOTELS IN GULU CITY
    (Gulu University, 2026-06-18) AGENORWOT, ANNA
    The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of cash management on financial performance of 3-stars hotels in Gulu City. The study was guided by five objectives; to determine the cash management practices in 3-stars hotels, to assess the level of financial performance of 3-stars hotels, to examine the relationship between cash management and financial performance of 3-stars hotels, to examine government policies governing 3-stars hotels, and to examine the moderating effects of government policies on the relationship between cash management and financial performance of 3-stars hotels in Gulu City. The study employed a cross-sectional design. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were applied. A sample size of 140 was selected using purposive, random, and convenience sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and interview guide. The study revealed that cash budgeting is moderately applied, primarily addressing operational needs, but with limited staff participation and monitoring. Cash disbursement practices were generally standardized, yet gaps exist in the recording of minor transactions and in the review of irregular expenditures. Cash control mechanisms are the most consistently practiced, focusing on safekeeping of funds, authorization processes, and bank reconciliations, though challenges remain in the segregation of duties. In terms of financial performance, profitability is actively pursued through planning and reinvestment, although fluctuating profit trends and external operational pressures hinder consistency. Liquidity is managed at the operational level, with limited application of formal assessment tools. Return on Equity is poorly understood and rarely used in performance evaluation. The study established a positive relationship between effective cash management and financial performance, revealing the strategic importance of budgeting, disbursement, and control mechanisms in enhancing financial outcomes. The study recommends improved staff involvement in budgeting, strengthening of internal control systems, and adoption of structured financial performance tracking tools. The study further calls on government authorities to support hotels through simplified regulatory compliance and greater awareness of tax relief provisions.
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    Challenges Facing the Push and Pull Hybrid System in the Supply of Essential Medicines in Gulu, Northern Uganda
    (Science and Education Publishing, 2015-05-07) Okello, Tom Richard; Maghanga, Mshilla; Olido, Kenneth
    Essential medicines are supplied to the public health facilities using the pull and push system. In many countries the decision to use the pull, push or combination of both is a policy decision, but Uganda has used each of the supply system individually in past and currently is using a hybrid despite the rampant out-cry of essential medicines stock out. Challenges facing the hybrid supply system need to be examined to advise policy makers on the how efficient the system supplies medicines. A cross-sectional study was carried out in the public health facilities in Gulu to examine the major challenges affecting the hybrid system of medicines supply. A sample of 131 health workers filled a pretested coded questionnaire as respondents and the data were then entered and analysed using SPSS version 15. Approximately 27.7% (n=131) of the respondents reported that the store management in the hybrid system is unsatisfactory and inadequate. Quality of essential medicines supplied in the hybrid system to the public health facilities is unsatisfactory and inadequate as reported by 46.5% of the respondents. Collaborative linkages with the National Medical Stores (NMS) the mandated supplier of essential medicines in the country, is weak (42.9%) and quantification of essential medicines by health workers under the hybrid system is poor (33.3%). Furthermore support supervision in weak and inadequate under the hybrid system (37.6%); and personnel who dispense essential medicines are inadequate (44.3%). Approximately 30.3% patients have poor access to essential medicines. The current hybrid system is riddled with a number of challenges which requires re-dressed in order improve access and availability of essential medicines to the public.
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    Community Participation and Service Delivery in Local Government-The Case of Amuru District, Uganda
    (Gulu University, 2013) Oola Donato Olam
    This study examines community participation and service delivery m local government (LG) taking Amuru District operations as a case study. Amuru is one of the LGs located in the Acholi sub-region, northern Uganda East Africa. The research principle objective was to explore relationships between planning and budgeting, resource mobilization, and between monitoring and evaluation and service delivery. A relevant review of related literature was carried out in line with identified objectives and research questions. The data were generated from scholarly journals, government publications, and text books among other sources. Relevant comparisons were made to establish relationships and gaps as the main methods guide upon which questionnaire, interviews and documents review were developed to help in data collection. The study employed a sample of 82 participants picked from a population constituting different employee categories of the district. Various findings were obtained but the most salient ones included: that the district's ability to deliver services falls short of the expected central government requirements in light of the decentralization policy. The research also found a gap in the planning and budgeting process in view of service provision considerations. The study also found resource mobilization strategy quite weak thus rendering the provision of essential services somehow difficult. Basic services expected to be rendered to communities were found largely inadequate. Monitoring and the level of community participation are low leading to poor service delivery. Conclusion and recommendations were drawn based on the gaps identified during the study process. Recommendations are addressed to policy makers, the government and other stakeholders.
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    COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AND SUSTAINABILITY OF GOVERNMENT PROJECTS IN UGANDA A CASE OF NORTHERN UGANDA SOCIAL ACTION FUND III IN SELECTED SUBCOUNTIES OF DOKOLO DISTRICT.
    (Gulu University, 2026) OTANG ISAAC OKUMA
    This study examined the relationship between community participation and the sustainability of government projects in Uganda a case of Northern Uganda Social Action Fund III (NUSAF III) projects in Dokolo District. It was guided by four objectives: to assess the level of community participation, to examine the extent of project sustainability, to examine the relationship between community participation and project sustainability, and to establish the influence of the government policy framework on that relationship. The study used a cross-sectional descriptive design and a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected from 238 respondents using a structured questionnaire, and qualitative data from 20 key informant interviews and four focus group discussions in Batta, Adok, Kangai and Okwongodul sub-counties. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression in SPSS, and thematic analysis. Overall community participation was high, with collaboration highest and participatory decision-making lowest. Overall project sustainability was rated strongest in the social dimension and weakest in the environmental dimension. Community participation explained the variation in project sustainability, with empowerment and information sharing as the significant predictors. Adding the decentralization policy framework raised the explained variation, and the framework itself was a significant predictor of project sustainability. The study concludes that NUSAF III projects are sustained mainly where communities are empowered and well informed and where local governments provide follow-up support, while participation in decision-making remains shallow. It recommends that Dokolo District Local Government involve communities in project identification and budgeting, institutionalize information sharing and post-project monitoring, and continue capacity building for community project management committees.
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    COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SECONDARY EDUCATION: A CASE STUDY OF PARENTS-TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATIONS (PTAs) IN KASESE DISTRICT
    (Gulu University, 2010) Mpisi Sulayman Ramadhan, BABIIHA; Development Studies (UMU);, MA Ethics
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    Contextual factors associated with depression among urban refugee and displaced youth in Kampala, Uganda: findings from a cross-sectional study
    (Springer Nature, 2020-05-15) Logie Carmen H.; Okumu Moses; Mwima Simon; Hakiza Robert; Chemutai Doreen; Kyambadde Peter
    Background: Advancing mental health among refugee and displaced adolescents and youth is critically important, as chronic psychological stress can have lifelong harmful impacts. These groups experience socio-environmental stressors that can harm mental health. Informed by a social contextual framework, this study explored the prevalence of depression among urban refugee and displaced youth in Kampala, Uganda and associations with symbolic (violence), relational (social support), and material (food and community insecurity) contexts. Methods: We implemented a cross-sectional survey with refugee and displaced adolescent girls and young women and adolescent boys and young men aged 16–24 living in Kampala’s informal settlements. We conducted peer-driven recruitment, whereby peer navigators shared study information with their networks and in turn participants were invited to recruit their peers. We conducted gender disaggregated analyses, including stepwise multiple regression to examine factors associated with depression. We then conducted structural equation modeling (SEM) using weighted least squares estimation to examine direct paths from violence, food insecurity, and community insecurity to depression, and indirect effects through social support. Results: Among participants (n = 445), young women (n = 333) reported significantly higher depression symptoms than young men (n = 112), including any symptoms (73.9% vs. 49.1%, p < 0.0001), mild to moderate symptoms (60.4% vs. 45.5%, p = 0.008), and severe symptoms (13.5% vs 3.6%, p = 0.002). SEM results among young women indicate that the latent violence factor (lifetime sexual and physical violence) had direct effects on depression and social support, but social support did not mediate the path from violence to depression. The model fit the data well: χ2(3) = 9.82, p = 0.020; RMSEA = 0.08, 90% CI [0.03, 0.14], CFI = 0.96). Among young men, SEM findings indicate that food insecurity had direct effects on social support, and an indirect effect on depression through the mediating role of social support. Fit indices suggest good model fit: χ2(3) = 2.09, p = 0.352; RMSEA = 0.02, 90% CI [0.000, 0.19], CFI = 0.99.
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    Corporate Governance and Nonfinancial Performance in Financial Institutions in Uganda
    (SAS Publishers, 2016) Biryomumeisho, Justus; Nkote, Isaac N,; Ocaya, Bruno
    This study investigates the influence of corporate governance on non-financial performance in financial services sector in Uganda. Corporate governance mechanisms examined included ownership concentration, board composition, CEO tenure and CEO turnover through multi-theory lenses of agency theory, stakeholder theory, resource-based theory and institutional theory. Non-financial performance was measured using employee satisfaction, social performance and environmental performance. The study objectives were to examine the relationship between ownership structure and nonfinancial performance, examine the relationship between board composition and nonfinancial performance, to assess the relationship between CEO tenure and nonfinancial performance and to determine the relationship between CEO turnover and nonfinancial performance. To accomplish the research objectives, a survey design using a questionnaire and secondary data was adopted. Secondary data were obtained from the annual reports and websites of 36 regulated financial services firms for the period 2008-2014. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 in which correlation and ordinary least squares (OLS) multiple regression tests were performed. Results showed that the relationship between corporate governance and non-financial performance is positive (r = 0.1397, p = 0.0514).
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    Cultivating Voters’ Perceptions and Women’s Political Representation in Uganda
    (Institute of Peace and Strategic Studies, 2025-02-01) Dr. Doreen Chemutai (PhD)
    This study considers voter perceptions as resources women politicians cultivate. How women cultivate this resource is relatively understudied in Uganda. The study addresses the gap in the literature through a qualitative approach. Women Members of Parliament (MPs) representing the Northern Uganda districts of Kitgum, Pader, Oyam, Agago, and Gulu selected purposively completed individual in-depth interviews. Additionally, constituents in Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) provided input with the help of a discussion guide. Findings reveal that voters' perceptions of women MPs are contextual; voter characteristics and expectations influence voters' impression of an individual. Irrespective of the seat type, women MPs cultivate votes through constituency service. However, women in reserved seats use humility, honesty, and motherliness to influence voters' perceptions. Compared to women in open seats, women in reserved seats are better at nurturing voter perceptions. A further revelation is that a reciprocal relationship exists between voters' perceptions of MPs and performance outcomes. The study suggests that voters' perceptions are an essential political resource as they provide a feedback loop for improved performance, better policies and the election of good leaders.
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    CUSTOMER ORIENTATION, SERVICE QUALITY AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IN THE HOTEL INDUSTRY IN GULU CITY
    (Gulu University, 2026-10) OJOK, GERALD
    Customer orientation has evolved through shifts in business practices and consumer expectations, transitioning from product-centric approaches to a focus on long-term relationships. This evolution is particularly relevant in Uganda's growing hospitality sector, where understanding the impact of customer orientation on satisfaction is vital for enhancing competitiveness in the tourism industry. This study examined the effect of customer orientation and service quality on customer satisfaction in Gulu City’s hotel industry.Utilizing a descriptive and cross-sectional research design with a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from employees, managers, and customers of 314 registered hotels, with a sample of 169 hotels determined through Krejcie and Morgan's formula. Structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews provided quantitative and qualitative insights, ensuring data reliability and validity through statistical analysis via SPSS.Findings indicated a high-level of customer satisfaction and implementation of customer orientation among hotels in Gulu City. The study found a significant positive relationship between customer orientation (customer centric orientation, product based orientation, relationship based orientation) and customer satisfaction in hotels in Gulu city. According to the result, all the dimensions of customer orientation, except product-based orientation have significant effect on customer satisfaction in hotels in Gulu city. Service quality has a significant mediating effect on the relationship between customer orientation and customer satisfaction in the hotels in Gulu city.12The study concludes that customer orientation is crucial for ensuring customer satisfaction with interplay of service quality. To enhance customer satisfaction in Gulu City's hotel industry, it is recommended that hotels strengthen their customer-centric strategies by prioritizing relationship-building and continuous improvement of service quality. Additionally, investing in staff training to better understand and meet customer needs will further elevate the guest experience and loyalty.
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    Debt Financing, Debt Management Behaviour, and the Growth Sustainability of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Lira City
    (Gulu University, 2026) Okello, Apollo.
    Growth sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises depends on several interconnected factors; however, debt financing, debt management behaviour, and the effectiveness of these factors are influenced by the level of debt literacy among entrepreneurs. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of debt financing and debt management behaviour on the growth sustainability of small and medium enterprises in Lira City, Uganda, while assessing the moderating role of debt literacy. The study was guided by trade-off theory, sustainable growth theory, the theory of planned behavior, and financial capability theory. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design was adopted, involving a survey of 311 small and medium enterprises followed by semi-structured interviews to provide deeper explanations of the quantitative findings. The results revealed that loan characteristics, including loan size, interest rates, and repayment practices, significantly influenced enterprise growth sustainability. Debt management practices, particularly financial self-efficacy, budgeting discipline, and responsible repayment behaviour, also contributed to improved sustainability outcomes. The results further showed that debt literacy strengthened the relationship between debt management behaviour and enterprise growth sustainability, while its interaction with debt financing was influenced by prevailing lending conditions. Qualitative findings indicated that entrepreneurs experience challenges related to high borrowing costs, limited loan adequacy, short repayment periods, collateral requirements, and unclear loan charges, which affect borrowing decisions. The study recommends the development of SME financing products aligned with business cash flows, expansion of debt literacy and financial capability programmes, and stronger collaboration between financial institutions and SME support organizations to promote responsible borrowing and sustainable enterprise growth.
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    DOMESTIC INVESTMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN UGANDA: A TIME SERIES ANALYSIS (1985 – 2023).
    (Gulu University, 2023-09-22) OLAK KENNETH KAUNDA
    This study examines the impact of domestic investment on economic growth in Uganda, focusing on the roles of public sector investment (PSI), private sector investment (PrSI), and the moderating effects of monetary policy variables, namely the interest rate (IR) and the exchange rate (EXR). The study is motivated by the persistent inconsistency between rising investment levels and fluctuating economic growth in Uganda, raising concerns about the effectiveness and efficiency of investment in driving sustainable development. Using annual time-series data for 1985–2023, sourced from the World Development Indicators (World Bank) and the Bank of Uganda, the study employed the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) modeling approach with secondary quantitative data. This method is suitable given the mixed order of integration among variables and its ability to capture both short-run dynamics and long-run equilibrium relationships. The analysis was conducted using Stata (version 15). The empirical findings show a statistically significant long-run relationship among economic growth, public investment, and private investment. The results indicate that private sector investment has a positive and statistically significant effect on economic growth in both the short run and the long run, highlighting its critical role as a driver of economic performance. While the public sector plays a supportive role, the results show that monetary policy variables exert varying influences on economic growth. Interest rates have a negative effect, consistent with theoretical expectations that higher borrowing costs discourage investment, while the exchange rate demonstrates a weak and statistically insignificant impact. The error correction mechanism confirms a stable adjustment process, although the speed of adjustment to long-run equilibrium is relatively slow, indicating structural rigidities in the economy. The study concludes that the private sector is the dominant contributor to economic growth in Uganda, while the effectiveness of public investment remains limited. The study’s policy recommendation recommends policies aimed at enhancing investment in the private sector, improving the efficiency and allocation of public investment, and maintaining a stable macroeconomic environment to support sustainable growth. The study contributes to the existing knowledge by providing Uganda empirical evidence using econometric model and differentiating between private and public impacts to economic growth.
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    DOMESTIC INVESTMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN UGANDA: A TIME SERIES ANALYSIS (1985 – 2023).
    (Gulu University, 2026-09-22) Olak Kenneth Kaunda
    This study examines the impact of domestic investment on economic growth in Uganda, focusing on the roles of public sector investment (PSI), private sector investment (PrSI), and the moderating effects of monetary policy variables, namely the interest rate (IR) and the exchange rate (EXR). The study is motivated by the persistent inconsistency between rising investment levels and fluctuating economic growth in Uganda, raising concerns about the effectiveness and efficiency of investment in driving sustainable development. Using annual time-series data for 1985–2023, sourced from the World Development Indicators (World Bank) and the Bank of Uganda, the study employed the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) modeling approach with secondary quantitative data. This method is suitable given the mixed order of integration among variables and its ability to capture both short-run dynamics and long-run equilibrium relationships. The analysis was conducted using Stata (version 15). The empirical findings show a statistically significant long-run relationship among economic growth, public investment, and private investment. The results indicate that private sector investment has a positive and statistically significant effect on economic growth in both the short run and the long run, highlighting its critical role as a driver of economic performance. While the public sector plays a supportive role, the results show that monetary policy variables exert varying influences on economic growth. Interest rates have a negative effect, consistent with theoretical expectations that higher borrowing costs discourage investment, while the exchange rate demonstrates a weak and statistically insignificant impact. The error correction mechanism confirms a stable adjustment process, although the speed of adjustment to long-run equilibrium is relatively slow, indicating structural rigidities in the economy. The study concludes that the private sector is the dominant contributor to economic growth in Uganda, while the effectiveness of public investment remains limited. The study’s policy recommendation recommends policies aimed at enhancing investment in the private sector, improving the efficiency and allocation of public investment, and maintaining a stable macroeconomic environment to support sustainable growth. The study contributes to the existing knowledge by providing Uganda empirical evidence using econometric model and differentiating between private and public impacts to economic growth.
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    EMPLOYEE CAPABILITIES AND HEALTH CARE SERVICE DELIVERY AT GULU REFERRAL HOSPITAL
    (Gulu University, 2026-10-26) ADONG LUCKY JOAN
    This study was conducted in Gulu Regional Referral Hospital on employee’s capabilities and health care service delivery. The study objectives were to establish the level of employee capabilities, assess the level of Health Care delivery and examine the influence of health policies on Health Care delivery. Methodology used was both qualitative and quantitative research design. The key findings on the level of employee capabilities included; training has enhanced the level of knowledge, skills and creativity during service delivery in terms of efficiency. Employees had good interpersonal skills that promotes efficiency at work. Experience makes employees flexible in challenging situation. Concerning the level of Health Care service delivery, the key findings are: patients are satisfied with the quality of services. Patient's feedback improves on the quality of health care delivery. The influence of health policies on Health Care delivery, the study revealed that there is a strong positive relation through the effective implementation of health policies, medical ethics policy and human resource policy. In turn it promoted accountability and training of workforce, respect for human rights and protection of privacy. The study recommends that the human resource department needs to encourage retention of employees especially through refresher training, workshops, seminars and offering scholarship for both short and long courses so that its personnel are relevant to the job market and recruitment of experienced employees. Upholding the quality of health care by being responsive to emergency, having functional machines like X-Ray and CT scan. The finding asserts that accountability and medical ethics policy needs to be upheld among the employees to ensure respect for human rights, non-discrimination, integrity and protection of privacy for patients.
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    Employee Ethical Code of Conduct and Performance of Local Governments: A Case of Pader District Local Government
    (Gulu University, 2026) Okidi Bajilo Oola
    This study analyzed the influence of the employee ethical code of conduct on the performance of Pader District Local Government (PDLG). Specifically, the study: assessed the level of adherence to employee ethical code of conduct, the level of performance, the relationship between the employee ethical code of conduct and the performance of PDLG, and the mediating role of the Public Service standing order on the relationship between the ethical code of conduct and PDLG performance A Case study research design was used and a sample population of 63 consisting of heads of all departments, administrative staff, CAO and operational staff (implementers) of PDLG. Data were collected using questionnaire and interview guide tools and analyzed using computer software SPSS Version 20 and thematic content analysis for qualitative data. Generally, the study revealed a moderately high level of adherence to the ethical code of conduct and an average or moderate performance level of employees. Findings, additionally revealed a moderately strong relationship between the ethical code of conduct and employee performance. The level of adherence to employee ethical conduct in PDLG showed 63.1%, hence moderately high. The Ethical Code of Conduct has a stronger, statistically significant impact at 0.647, enhancing organizational efficiency by promoting accountability and transparency. The study revealed a moderate significant positive relationship between ethical code of conduct and performance of PDLG (r= 0.647, p<0.000). The study revealed a moderately positive influence of the public service standing order on the relationship between the ethical code of conduct and performance of PDLG. The study concludes that the ethical code of conduct significantly enhances performance in terms of efficiency, while the Public Service Standing Order, though positive, faces enforcement challenges. The study recommends that; (a) the heads of departments should implement comprehensive induction programs for their employees on the ethical code of conduct, and Public Service Standing Orders; (b) PDLG should conduct a thorough review of resource allocation and management practices to support employee recruitment to fill gaps.
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    Exploring Transition in Higher Education: Engagement and Challenges in Moving from Teacher-Centered to Student-Centered Learning
    (JPBLHE, 2021) Awacorach, Judith; Jensen, Iben; Lassen, Inger; Olanya, David Ross; Zakaria, Hanan Lassen; Olok Tabo, Geoffrey
    The overall purpose of this study is to prefigure the feasibility of Problem Based Learning (PBL) for building research and employability capacity of MA-students in the context of Gulu University. Following a description of the basic tenets of PBL, we explain how PBL was used in experimental community outreach workshops for MA-students between 2016 and 2019. More specifically we identify traces of traditional learning practices and discuss to what extent the new learning approach might change the student-teacher power relationship. Methodologically and analytically, our study draws on a practice theory model developed by Kemmis and Mutton (2012). Although our findings indicate subtle traces of a traditional student-teacher relationship, the analyses indicate that the PBL learning mode is a promising candidate for strengthening research capacity in view of preparing students for post-graduate employability and community transformation. The workshops were organized collaboratively as part of the Danida-funded programme Building Stronger Universities.