The National Research Repository of Uganda - NRU

Welcome to the National Research Repository of Uganda, abbreviated as "NRU". NRU was established in 2021. NRU is a collection of scholarly output by researchers from the UNCST Community, including scholarly articles and books, electronic theses and dissertations, conference proceedings, journals, technical reports and digitised library collections. It is the official Institutional Archive (IA) of UNCST.

Copyright Information:

For information about the publishers' copyright policy on archiving your articles online or in an institutional archive, visit the Sherpa Site at http://www.sherpa.ac.uk/romeo.php The site gives a summary of the permissions normally given as part of each publisher's copyright transfer agreement. If you wish to publish your research findings in the NRU, please contact NRU administrator at admin@uncst.go.ug for details. NRU operates both open access and closed access models. Access to fulltext has been restricted in adherence to the UNCST Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Copyrights policies.

Other Useful Resources:

Africa Portal is an online repository of open access library collection with over 3,000 books, journals, and digital documents on African policy issues. This is an initiative by the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), Makerere University (MAK), and the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA). Please visit the Africa Portal at http://www.africaportal.org/library.

Communities in NRU

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 10

Recent Submissions

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    The role of self-efficacy dimensions on organisational commitment: a study of academic staff in Ugandan universities
    (Taylor & Francis Group, 2026-05-21)
    Julius Samuel Opolot;
    ;
    Gabriel Simiyu;
    ;
    Lydia Maket ;
    ;
    Mahadih Kyambade;
    ;
    Barbra Alungat;
    Abstract While self-efficacy is widely recognized as a predictor of organizational commitment (OC), existing literature mainly treats it as a single-dimensional construct, which conceals the specific roles of its underlying sources. Drawing on Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), this study fills this gap by breaking down self-efficacy into four theoretically based dimensions of enactive mastery, vicarious experiences, verbal persuasion, and physiological arousal. The study investigates how each dimension independently affects OC among academic staff in Ugandan public and private universities. Using a cross-sectional survey, data were gathered from 574 faculty members and analyzed through hierarchical regression in SPSS v27. Results show that all four self-efficacy dimensions significantly influence OC, collectively accounting for 14.6% of its variance. Although the modest explanatory power reflects the complex nature of OC, the findings provide a detailed, contextually relevant advancement beyond global self-efficacy models. This research extends SCT by validating its dimensional structure in a non-Western higher education setting. Practically, it provides practical levers for university leaders in resource-limited settings to increase staff retention through targeted interventions in mentoring, feedback, professional development, and well-being support. Finally, the findings of this study helps develop more accurate, culturally responsive strategies for improving OC in African higher education.
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    Debtor Management and Financial Performance of Hardware SMEs in Mukono Municipality, Uganda
    (Department of Accounting, Finance and Microfinance, School of Management and Entrepreneurship, Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda, 2025-12)
    Dr Isaac Peter Otai;
    ;
    Ms Barbara Deborah Erima Birungi
    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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    Stimulating Production of Shea Butter for Industrial Application in Uganda.
    (UNCST, 2024)
    Francis Omujal
    ;
    UNCST
    The global shea butter market is projected to reach US$ 2.9 billion by 2025, driven by demand across cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and confectionery industries. Traditional artisan and cold-pressing methods predominantly used in Uganda often yield low-quality shea butter with limited industrial viability. To enhance quality and industrial applicability, this study evaluated dry and solvent fractionation techniques to separate shea butter into olein (liquid) and stearin (solid) fractions at crystallization temperatures of 15°C and 20°C. Solvent fractionation using acetone proved most effective, with artisan-processed shea yielding higher liquid olein fractions (59.4–59.8%) containing elevated oleic acid profiles. A pilot fractionation machine was engineered based on these results to scale up advanced local production, align with National Development Plan (NDP) III goals, and improve rural livelihoods.
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    Increasing Wheat Production and Productivity through Science-Based Knowledge and Innovations for a Competitive Wheat Manufacturing Value Chain in Uganda
    (UNCST, 2024)
    Bosco Chemayek, Buginyanya
    ;
    UNCST
    Uganda currently imports over 90% of its consumed wheat. This dependency stems from domestic farming being restricted to land-scarce, high-altitude alpine regions. To strengthen national food security against global supply disruptions, a project introduced two high-yielding, rust-resistant wheat varieties adapted to mid and low-altitude zones. Multilocation testing across six agro-ecological sites confirmed these varieties yield over 5 t/ha in mid/high altitudes and over 1.5 t/ha in low altitudes. The project bulked 1.5 tons of elite foundation seed to scale up domestic cultivation. Broad adoption will diversify smallholder incomes, support National Development Plan III (NDP III) agro-industrialization goals, and reduce import reliance.
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    Commercialization of Propolis Powder for Improved Health and Incomes in Ugandans (Proven boost)
    (UNCST, 2024)
    Ruth Deborah Amulen
    ;
    UNCST
    Propolis, a high-value derivative of apiculture, presents a significant economic opportunity for Uganda, with an estimated annual production potential of 325 to 870 tonnes, translating to revenue between USD 1.3 and 3.5 million. Despite this potential, over 99% of Uganda’s propolis resources remain underexploited, resulting in substantial economic losses for rural beekeepers. The global market demand for propolis, driven by its therapeutic applications in health supplements, cosmetics, and food preservation, underscores the urgency of developing Uganda’s propolis industry. This project enhanced propolis commercialization by partnering with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) for quality testing, fabricating processing equipment (crashing machine, soaking tank, packaging stations), and training beekeepers on intellectual property and branding.