The National Research Repository of Uganda - NRU

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  Debtor Management and Financial Performance of Hardware SMEs in Mukono Municipality, Uganda

  (The Body of Expert and Licensed Accountants of Romania, 2026-02)

  Isaac Peter OTAI;

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  Barbara Deborah Erima BIRUNGI

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  Debtor management is a critical determinant of the financial health of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study examined the effect of debtor management on the financial performance of hardware SMEs in Mukono, Uganda. Using Yamane’s (1967) formula at a 95% confidence level, a representative sample of 55 SMEs was determined. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to ensure coverage across municipality divisions, with a proportionate selection of respondents. Using a descriptive and correlational design, data was collected from owners, managers, and accounts staff through structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive and regression techniques. Findings revealed that debtors’ management practices (debt collection practices and debtors turnover) positively and significantly influence financial performance (liquidity and profitability). The study concludes that effective debtor management enhances financial performance and sustainability in the hardware sector. It recommends that SMEs strengthen credit policies, adopt robust collection mechanisms, and train staff in receivables management to improve performance.

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  Bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of African olive (Canarium schweinfurthii Engl.) Fruit pulp and Seed

  (Elsevier, 2026-04-09)

  Arthur Tabula;

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  Tobias Pointner;

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  Lili Daroczi ;

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  Pignitter Marc;

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  Khadijah Nakyinsige;

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  Abstract This study characterized polyphenols and tocopherols, as well as determined the antioxidant capacity of the Canarium schweinfurthii Engl. fruit pulp and seed. Samples were obtained from Kamuli, Luwero and Mayuge districts of Uganda. Total polyphenol content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Polyphenols were fractionated using Liquid Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometry technique. Tocopherols (α-, γ- and δ-) were quantified using High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Ultraviolet. The antioxidant capacity of the fruit pulp was assessed using Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) and Ferric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP). Total polyphenol content of the fruit pulp and seed extracts ranged from 73.93 to 92.43 and 132.66 to 146.74 mg GAE/g, respectively. The fruit pulp and seed extracts contained phenolic acids (1.3-Dicaffeoylquinic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, quinic acid, cinnamic acid and p-coumaric acid), flavonoids (amentoflavone, eriodictyol, gallocatechol, herbacetin and quercetin-3-O-glucoside) and lignans (pinoresinol). The tocopherol content of the fruit pulp and seed extracts was correspondingly 3.83 to 4.98 mg/kg and 38.54 to 62.47 mg/kg. The major tocopherol isomers quantified were the alpha, gamma and delta. The antioxidant capacity of the fruit pulp extracts by TEAC assay was from 2.74 to 5.43 and by FRAP assay from 4.36 to 6.16 µmol TE/g dry weight. The fruit’s antioxidant capacity may be attributable to phenolic acids, flavonoids and lignans, and tocopherols. In addition to its use as a food, the gamut of bioactives and antioxidant capacity support Canarium schweinfurthii’s potential therapeutic applications.

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  Soil Property Responses to Push-Pull Cropping in East Africa

  (John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2026-04-10)

  Amboka, Grace Mercy;

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  Jonsson, Mattias;

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  Apel, Celina ;

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  Meinhof, David;

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  Liepa, Adomas;

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  ABSTRACT Push-pull technology is increasingly promoted in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly for pest management and enhancing crop productivity. However, its influence on soil properties remains understudied, despite its potential implications for soil health and sustainable soil fertility management. This study examines soil properties in push-pull and conventional non-push-pull cropping systems. Soil samples were collected from push-pull and conventional plots in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. We examined the associations between soil physicochemical properties and cropping systems, along with key components of push-pull, namely Desmodium coverage and plot age, and manure and mineral fertiliser application. Overall, there were a few differences in soil properties between push-pull and conventional cultivation. In Kenya and Uganda, where Desmodium cover varied considerably, higher cover was positively associated with soil organic matter, cation-exchange capacity, and multiple nutrients. In Rwanda, Desmodium cover was positively associated only with phosphorus. Plot age in Kenya was negatively associated with pH and potassium, suggesting acidification from N2 fixation and potassium mining in the system. In Kenya, manure application was negatively associated with soil pH, CEC and several nutrients, while in Uganda, it was positively associated with calcium, sodium and zinc. In Ethiopia, manure application was positively associated with potassium and zinc, but only when testing the pushpull systems separately. Mineral fertiliser use was negatively associated with potassium and pH in Kenya, the only country with considerable use of mineral fertilisers. The data highlight a need for adaptive soil and crop management, including affordable non-acidifying N fertilisers and liming products for long-term sustainability of the push-pull system. The complexity in farmer adoption and practices, and the underlying soil and climate conditions, limit our ability to disentangle the contribution of system components to the effects of the push-pull system. Nevertheless, our findings highlight the complex and context-dependent associations of push-pull cropping and soil properties, underscoring the need for site-specific management to sustain soil health and crop productivity across sub-Saharan Africa.

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  Factors influencing adoption of climate-smart livestock practices in eastern Africa: insights from Uganda

  (Frontiers Media S.A, 2026-04)

  Mugumya, Roland;

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  Omondi, Immaculate;

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  Baltenweck, Isabelle ;

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  Tumwesigye, Samuel;

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  Ndambi, Asaah;

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  IntroductionClimate-smart livestock (CSL) practices have the potential to boost food production while improving the resilience and environmental sustainability of agricultural systems in sub-Saharan Africa. However, their adoption rates in the region remain low. Focusing on Uganda as a case study, multivariate Probit and Tobit regression models were applied to determine the factors influencing the adoption of CSL practices by dairy farmers.MethodsData were collected from 626 cattle-keeping households located in southwestern, central and eastern Uganda. The Adoption and Diffusion Outcome Prediction Tool (ADOPT) was used to predict the peak adoption levels and the number of years to reach these for CSL practices. The CSL practices identified and considered were forage cultivation, artificial insemination, routine vaccination and planting trees.Results and DiscussionThe results showed that 37%, 14%, 45% and 19% of cattle-keeping households grew forage, used artificial insemination, carried out routine vaccination and planted trees respectively. Forage cultivation, artificial insemination use and planting trees were positively and significantly influenced by access to credit and keeping farm records. Use of artificial insemination was associated with higher milk revenues. The household head’s education level significantly influenced both the area allocated to forage cultivation and the number of trees planted. Households that allocated a large portion of their land to grazing cattle were less likely to grow forage and use artificial insemination. The number of trees planted was positively and significantly influenced by the age of the household head, household size, keeping farm records, access to credit and total adult equivalent (total number of working hours among adults per household). Forage cultivation and use of artificial insemination were practiced interdependently, pointing to the existence of complementarities and synergies between these two practices. The complementarities and synergies between both practices should be explored for increased adoption. Conclusion : CSL practices should be introduced as a package of practices rather than as stand-alone practices, as their complementarities can enhance adoption. Development programs and policies should focus on improving access to credit, while investing in capacity building for record keeping, to increase the likelihood for adoption and intensification of CSL in the region.

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  Assessing healthcare satisfaction and prevalence of diabetes andhypertension among older adults living with HIV in Eastern Uganda: across-sectional study

  (Taylor & Francis Group, 2026-02-27)

  Kenedy Kiyimba;

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  Ronald Kibuuka;

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  Jonathan Babuya ;

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  Nichola Kabahinda;

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  Richard Maseruka;

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  ABSTRACT Background: The use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the management of HIV/AIDS has greatly increased the life expectancy of people living with HIV. However, longer life spans have been accompanied by a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This study assessed healthcare satisfaction and the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension among older adults living with HIV (50 years and above) at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in Eastern Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) involving 400 HIV-positive patients aged more than 50 years on ART. The sociodemographic information, ART history, and comorbidities were obtained. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of comorbidities. Results: The prevalence of DM and HTN were 28.3% and 27.1%, respectively. Participants aged ≥64 years had significantly higher odds of HTN (AOR: 2.25; 95% CI: 1.27–3.19; p = 0.029). Changing ART regimens three or more times was associated with HTN (AOR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.08–4.73; p = 0.015). Living 6–10 km from a health facility increased the odds of DM (AOR: 5.46; 95% CI: 1.12–26.54; p = 0.044). Overall, 91% of the participants reported satisfaction with the healthcare received. Conclusion: DM and HTN are highly prevalent among older adults living with HIV in Eastern Uganda and are associated with advanced age, ART regimen changes, and healthcare access challenges. The integration of NCD screening and management into HIV care are key for improving long-term outcomes in this population.

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