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Item Cash flow management utilization by Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Northern Uganda(Merit Research Journal of Accounting, Auditing, Economics and Finance, 2013-10) Uwonda, Gilbert; Okello, Nelson; Okello, Nicholas G.In Uganda, SMEs are considered as seedbeds for the growth of new firms and important machineries for poverty reduction through wealth and job creation, income generation as well as drivers for innovation. Cash flow management has been sighted as a nucleus of any business entity for short and long-term survival. Failures in many SMEs have been linked to inadequate cash flow management, which compromises their sustainability by denying them the revenue stream needed to grow. This study sought to establish the extent to which SMEs utilize cash flow management, which is an important factor that influences financial performance of a number of service sectors of SMEs. The research adapted a cross sectional exploratory study. Data from a sample of 120-service sector SMEs were collected and analyzed. The study highlighted limitations in utilization of cash flow in SMEs especially in areas like cash flow projection; tax planning; and budgetary control; determination and interpreting financial statements. Further, utilization of redundant fixed assets, inability to offer cash and early discounts, failure to prepare bank reconciliation and poor credit policies were other concerns for SMEs. For SMEs to reach their potentials, they must design business plan, prepare cash flow projections and cash budgeting; ensure budgetary control, internal control system and control their spending habits; and improve on their credit policies.Item The Role of Education, Work Experience and Training in Entrepreneurship Success in Nebbi District, West Nile Region in Uganda(Journal of Educational Policy and Entrepreneurial Research, 2017) Eton, Marus; Mwosi, Fabian; Mwirumubi, Richard; Edaku, Charles; Uwonda, GilbertEntrepreneurship success has been globally acknowledged as an instrument for achieving economic growth and development as well as employment creation. The objective of the study was to determine the role of education, work experience and training in supporting entrepreneurship success in Nebbi District, West Nile, Uganda. Using both purposive and simple random sampling procedure, a sample of 89 participants was selected for the survey. A structured questionnaire was used in the study. The data were sought and analyzed using SPSS statistical package. The study indicated Cronbach‘s alpha coefficient ( >.70) and Correlation results indicated that education, training and working experience all have a positive significant relationship with entrepreneurial success at 1% level of significance. This means that entrepreneurs, whose education and working experience are business-related, are more likely to succeed than those whose education and working experiences are outside business. The study recommended that relevant entrepreneurship training should be expanded in the region since it has a significant positive impact on entrepreneurial success as this is expected to accelerate economic growth and reduce unemployment especially among the youth.Item Start-Ups and Youth Entrepreneurship as a Strategy for Reducing Youth Unemployment in Africa; Evidence from Gulu and Oyam Districts, Northern Uganda(Management and Administrative Sciences Review, 2017-05) Uwonda, Gilbert; Ejang, Mary; Biromumeisho, Justus; Kansime, Clara; Ojok, KarloThis paper presents a trend in the challenges in the youth unemployment with particular emphasis on Uganda taking northern Uganda as a case. Youth unemployment remains a serious development challenge in most developing countries with sub-Saharan African countries being the most affected. Despite the positive economic growth rates experienced in Africa over the past decade this growth has not generated sufficient and decent employment opportunities for the youth (AfDB et al., 2012, UNECA, 2011). In Uganda 64 percent of the youth (18 -30 years) remained unemployed (UBoS 2014) yet three quarters of the population are below the age of 30 years. This implies that in the near future the proportion of the youth is bound to surpass the adults hence posing strain on the meager resources that is already eminent in the high unemployment rate. We used qualitative and quantitative methods in this study and sampled two districts (Gulu and Oyam). We assessed the effectiveness of the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP) in addressing unemployment challenges and promoting job creation among the youth. The findings indicate that while the guidelines in the implementation of the programme were adhered to the budget for the start-up was largely inadequate and the delays in disbursement of the funds greatly affect the performance of the groups. Inadequate training before disbursement of the funds also affected the performance of the groups. Amidst the challenges noted, the paper concludes that to a greater extent the YLP is creating self-employment for youth and thus needs to be sustained.Item Internal Control Systems, Working Capital Management and Financial Performance of Private Institutions in Uganda(International Journal of Research in Engineering, IT and Social Sciences, 2020-03) Eton, Marus; Mwosi, Fabian; Kaaya, Siraji; Ogwel, Patrick Bernard; Ahabwe, EdwardThis research adopted a cross-sectional and descriptive design. Data was collected using self administered questionnaire from those operating businesses in Mbarara municipality. Data was analyzed using a multivariate analysis technique and presented descriptively using mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation. The study revealed that the businesses were weak at aligning their operations with set business procedures, guidelines and national laws The study also established that the current level of internal control systems is moderately effective. These are commendable practices especially in small and medium enterprise businesses. The moderate relationship between internal control systems and working management confirms the likelihood that these businesses conduct regular financial audits and endeavor to maintain reliable financial records. The study recommended that there is need for businesses to align their operations to national standards and also train their staff in internal control activities that ensure adherence to principles of accounting and financial records. Government has a role to play in protecting nationals against consumption of goods and services that do not measure to national or international standardsItem Globalization and Its Implications on the Growth of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Western Uganda(International Journal of Research in Management, Economics and Commerce, 2019-02) Eton, Marus; Ayiga, Natal; Obura, Constant Okello; Mwosi, Fabian; Uwonda GilbertGlobalization, characterized by greater economic, political and cultural integration and dependence, has been widely discussed and practiced in the last two decades. The study sought to investigate the implications of globalization on the growth of SMEs in western Uganda, Particularly how globalization affected the productivity and innovation of SMEs in western Uganda. The researcher adopted a cross sectional study design. The Data was collected by the use of structured and closed ended questionnaire. The findings revealed that businesses dealing in imported commodities are fast-growing and register tangible growth results compared to those dealing in locally manufactured commodities. Imported commodities seem not to suit the interests of most Ugandans, perhaps because some are not durable. The study further established that government finds it very difficult to control all the commodities that enter the Ugandan market. The study therefore recommends that Uganda Revenue Authority, under its Anti-Smuggling Unit, should ensure vigilance at border points to reduce the inflow of unauthorized commodities which flood Ugandan market. The Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Industry should step out to protect local firms against competition from foreign producers, particularly those dealing in similar products. Government should lower interest rates through her fiscal and monetary policies to allow SMEs access credit at affordable rates. There is also need to examine the extent to which Uganda’s membership to the East African Community boosts growth of SMEs since all the member countries have almost similar competitive economic advantages.Item Financial inclusion and the growth of small medium enterprises in Uganda(Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 2021) Eton, Marus; Mwosi, Fabian; Okello-Obura, Constant; Turyehebwa, Abanis; Uwonda, GilbertThe growth and failure of small and medium enterprises has been a topic of discussions world over among policymakers and researchers. This study was guided by the following objectives: to examine the contributions of small medium enterprises (SMEs), to determine the challenges affecting small medium enterprises, to examine how financial inclusiveness supports the growth of small medium enterprises, and to establish the relationship between financial inclusion and growth of small medium enterprises. The study used a cross-sectional research design. Descriptive design was used and supplemented by inferential statistics. Correlation and regression analysis were adopted. The study revealed that financial inclusion is significant in supporting SME growth. The study further also revealed that the cost of acquiring and servicing financial services is high; there is also difficulty in using some of the financial services, and the way financial providers treat financial users, some lacked some degree of respect and dignity. The study recommends that financial providers should continue sensitizing the public on the available financial services beyond credit services, which are common and known. Digital financial service providers should encourage their clientele to use digitalized financial services which are cheap, secure, and risk averse. The cost of capital should also be reduced to encourage borrowing while SMEs should innovatively produce goods that can be competitive at both domestic and international markets.Item Financial Inclusion and Economic Growth in Uganda A case study of selected districts in Western Uganda(International Journal of Advances in Scientific Research and Engineering (ijasre), 2019-10) Eton, Marus; Uwonda, Gilbert; Mwosi, Fabian; Barigye, Godfrey; Ogwel, Patrick BernardThe study was conducted to examine the role of financial inclusion in economic growth basing on selected districts from western Uganda. The researchers adopted a cross-sectional survey design and both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used in data collection and analysis. The study used simple random and purposive sampling techniques to select a total of 194 respondents. The findings revealed that financial inclusion is significant in supporting economic growth; it upholds equitable distribution of growth benefits, transforms peoples’ way of living, enhances capital creation and empowers people to go for financial services that are germane to their needs. The study indicated that Uganda’s population living below the poverty line is falling, which sounds precise in the context of national income but very unseemly in the context of household income. While there are indicators of reduced constraints to accessing to working capital, reduced constraints to accessing financial services, effective use of economic resources to produce goods and services, those in business do not see the efficacy by government agendas geared to supporting international trade or investment. The study, therefore, recommends that there is a need for the government to review and redesign her policies on international trade business and support for homegrown investments. There is a need for quantitative metrics to ascertain the extent to which household income is proportional to national income. Several papers have recommended government interventions in financial accessibility.Item Effectiveness of commercial forestry policy in contributing to the promotion of sustainable household income in Northern Uganda(Global Advanced Research Journal of Management and Business Studies, 2013-09) Uwonda, Gilbert; Bedijo, GeoffreyThis study aimed at examining the effectiveness of commercial forestry policy in contributing to the promotion of sustainable household income and analyzing the factors that affect implementation of the current Commercial Forestry Policy in Northern Uganda. Although Commercial Forestry Policy and supportive laws exist for the development of commercial forestry, which together with other socioeconomic activities, mainly agriculture, could improve socio-economic conditions of households in this area with vast arable land, the population has remained largely poor with most of the land unutilized. A cross-sectional survey design was used. Questionnaires and key informant interviews were employed to collect data from opinion leaders at the local community level, local government leaders and personnel, private tree farmers, National Forestry Authority staff, Non Governmental Organizations' staff involved in forestry activities and forest produce entrepreneurs. The data was analyzed by measuring the frequencies of occurrence of sets of responses and Pearson’s correlation analysis The findings revealed that commercial forestry is effective in contributing to the promotion of sustainable household income but there has been, inadequate public awareness, lack of seeds/planting stocks and funds The study recommended that continuous awareness creation be conducted and assistance in terms of inputs be extended to this community to encourage commercial forestry and improve household incomeItem Correlates of Opportunity Recognition, Design Thinking, and Financing Decisions on Entrepreneurial Success Among SME Owners in Kampala Central Division, Uganda(Journal of Social Sciences and Management, 2022-09) Karuhanga, Robert; Olutayo, K. Osunsan; Kawiso, Martin Wilfred; Pule, Samuel; Muhwezi, Moses; Kabasinguzi, ChristineIn Africa, Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are notably the engines that drive economic development. Unfortunately, over 32 % of SMEs fail before they celebrate their second birthday. In Uganda, entrepreneurs are creative, recognize opportunities and endeavor to exploit them; however, the failure rate of SMEs is still great. Despite the Ugandan government trying to invest in entrepreneurship programs, SMEs have continued to fail. This study explored the effect of opportunity recognition and design thinking, and financing decisions on entrepreneurial success among SME owners in Kampala, Central division, Uganda. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design and quantitative method. The findings revealed a positive effect of opportunity recognition, design thinking, and financing decisions on entrepreneurial success (F=0.443, Sig = 0.000). The variables explained 55% of the variance of Entrepreneurial success (R Square =0.555; Adjusted R Square = .541). It was concluded that opportunity recognition, design thinking, financing decision strategies are essential for SME success. The study recommends that SMEs should design and implement sustainable and effective opportunity recognition, adopt design thinking, and effective financing decision strategies, which ultimately lead to entrepreneurial success of SMEs.Item Cash Flow Management and Sustainability of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Northern Uganda(International Journal of Social Science and Economics Invention (IJSSEI), 2015-08) Uwonda, Gilbert; Okello, NelsonIn Uganda SMEs are viewed as seedbeds for growth of new firms and vehicles for poverty reduction. Deterioration in growth and failures in SMEs have been linked to poor cash flow management, This study sought to examine how cash flow management influences sustainability SMEs in Northern Uganda. The research adapted a cross sectional study. A sample of 120- SMEs was selected using stratified sampling. Self administered questionnaires, designed for this study, were filled in by SME managers and the data analyzed using frequency tables, custom tables, Correlation Analysis and Multiple Logistic Regression. The study revealed limited application of cash flow management by SMEs in Northern Uganda, especially cash flow projection; tax planning; budgetary control and interpreting financial statements. As a result the study noted that most SMEs had declining levels of long-term solvency and growth. Finally the studyItem Cash Management and Financial Performance of Business Firms in Northern Uganda a Case of Lira District(The International Journal of Business Management and Technology, 2019-08) Eton, Marus; Uwonda, Gilbert; Mwosi, Fabian; Ogwel, Bernard Patrick; Obote, DennisThe study sought to establish the effect of cash management on financial performance of business entities in Lira district. A cross sectional study design was adopted and data was collected by use of structured and closed ended questionnaire. Business owners who took part in the study confirmed high abilities in managing cash receivable, holding inventories and properly generating sufficient cash for meeting immediate obligations. However, the study found that the aforementioned practices were not sustainable with time due to incompetence in forecasting receipts and payments. This led to a conclusion that cash management has an insignificant effect on financial performance. The study recommended that Business associations like Uganda Chamber of Commerce, Uganda Manufacturers Association, in addition to Ministry of Trade and Commerce should consider providing trainings on cash management to existing and upcoming entrepreneurs to support them in developing cash management and other necessary business skills. There is also need for business owners to consider hiring business experts who can use different statistical models to forecast business performanceItem Capital Structure, Investment Decision and Financial Performance of SMEs in Uganda A Case of Central Uganda(International Journal of Scientific Research and Management (IJSRM), 2022) Turyahebwa, Abanis; Byamukama, Eliab Mpora; Sunday, Arthur; Eton, MarusAbstract The paper explored the relationship between capital structure, investment decision and financial performance of SMEs in Uganda a case of Central Uganda. The study adopted a descriptive, cross sectional and correlational design. The sample size was 226 SMEs in Central Uganda. The findings point to a moderate significant positive relationship between capital structure, investment decision and financial performance of SMEs. Capital structure and financial performance of SMEs (r = 0.642, P-value = 0.000), investment decision and financial performance of SMEs (r = 0.488, P-value = 0.000). From the results, we confirm that capital structure, investment decision, predict up to 66.2% of the change in financial performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Central Uganda The results show good model fits and fig.2 defines the model of capital structure and investment decisions on financial performance of SMEs in Uganda and is encompassed of 4 proportions of capital structure in terms of Equity, Long term Debt, Short term debt as well as investment decisions and their predictive power on financial performance of SMEs in Uganda. Figure 2 and table 1 and 2 clearly indicate that capital structure and investment decisions are significantly associated with return on assets (ROA) which in turn leads to improved financial performance. The study recommends an appropriate mix of capital structure coupled with premeditated investment decisions so as to have improved financial performance of SMEs in Uganda. The current study underwrites to academic research by providing empirical proof to support theories pertinent to the elucidation of financial performance. The study was anchored on Pecking Order theory together with Modigliani & Miller theory and the results depict the behaviours that managers have while making decisions concerning capital structure and investment decisions. With such, the precursors of capital structure, investment decisions on financial performance of SMEs in Uganda and other related developing countries has been revealed.Item Challenges Faced by Small and Medium Enterprises in Raising Finance in Uganda(International Journal of Public Administration and Management Research (IJPAMR), 2015-12) Turyahikayo, EverestThe purpose of this paper was to discuss challenges faced by SMEs in raising finance in Uganda. Basing on the critical document review, the paper uses social capital theory to demonstrate that Ugandan SMEs continue to face challenges in raising finance. Such challenges include inadequate collateral to secure loans; information opaqueness; low level technical and management skills; lack of professionalism; competition; inability to afford long term financing among others. The paper suggests various ways in which these challenges can be addressed. Such suggestions include; developing social capital through networks; SME friendly policy framework; proper information management; and improvement of management skills. Alternative sources of finance available to SMEs include; investment into capital markets, long term financing, leasing and franchising. The paper concludes that SMEs should put emphasis on the development of social networks as a mechanism to develop financing opportunities.Item Returning to fund refugeehood: dispersal and survival between Uganda and South Sudan(Routledge, 2025-01) Omata, Naohiko; Gidron, YotamReturn movements of refugees, even when gradual or temporary, are typically understood as part of a process of full repatriation or as a 'strategy' for leveraging socio-economic opportunities across borders. However, for some refugees, return is neither a step towards repatriation nor an empowering strategy. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative data from Uganda and South Sudan, this article shows how, due to gradual reductions in aid and the lack of livelihood opportunities in Uganda, South Sudanese refugees travel back to their homeland in order to financially support their relatives who remain in exile. These return movements and the phenomenon of split households among South Sudanese are responses to severe hardship and, paradoxically, are deployed to sustain their life in Uganda. While cross-border migration enables refugees to access subsistence opportunities, this article argues that it underscores how refugees must now find their own means to 'fund' their refugeehood, given ongoing reductions in international assistance for protracted displacement.Item Potential markets and policies for sustainable liquid biofuel production with emphasis to Eastern Africa countries: a review(Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2024-01-02) Miftah, Fekadu K; Mutta, DorisBackgroundThe production of liquid biofuel in Eastern Africa countries has the potential to play an important role on the global biofuel markets in the coming years, because transportation fuel demand is expected to grow. Despite the presence of suitable environmental conditions for bioenergy crop cultivation in Eastern Africa, liquid biofuel production has been restricted by different factors, including market situation and government policies. The objective of this review is to evaluate the potential markets, policies, strategies, and plans for liquid biofuel production in some Eastern Africa countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.Main textOver 64 scientific articles and reports published between 2002 and 2023 related to liquid biofuel production market and policies were collected from internet search engines and unpublished grey literatures and reviewed. Since liquid biofuel production was in early stage of investment in Eastern Africa countries by 2020, all the countries showed similar restrictions. It was found that the global market demand for liquid biofuel increased after 1980s. For example, although Ethiopia started bioethanol production in 1950s, the production was discouraged by the lack of a market. Biofuel trade is globally determined by the biofuel policies of industrialized countries, which are mainly driven by the willingness to reduce emissions and to tackle volatile fossil fuel prices. Eastern Africa liquid biofuels has a number of market openings, including rural domestic use, substituting fossil fuel imports, and supplying the European market. There are also attractive legal conditions and political willingness to invest in the production of liquid biofuels. However, institutional weaknesses hindered the possibility to coordinate liquid biofuel production. The lack of adequate domestic institutions, coordination mechanisms, and robust monitoring resulted in land-use conflicts, corruption, and technical challenges. Appropriate policy measures are required to local land use determination, selection of appropriate type of bioenergy crops, and biofuel processing types and scales. In particular, small and large-scale biofuel production projects are required to include biofuel production in the conventional agricultural farming practices.ConclusionsGood governance is highly important for bioenergy crop production, liquid biofuel processing and consumption in the whole liquid biofuel value chain. Moreover, it is important to exchange good practices through cooperation, including—but not limited to—intra-African countries, which would accelerate the learning process and the deployment of effective measures and mechanisms. There should be biofuel value chain upgrading to overcome fragmentation and inconsistency of measures; match-making between demand and supply at domestic, intra-African, and internationally with proper public awareness creation. Publicly Available Content DatabaseItem Assessing scale reliability in citizen science motivational research: lessons learned from two case studies in Uganda(Palgrave Macmillan, 2024-12) Ashepet, Mercy Gloria; Vranken, Liesbet; Michellier, Caroline; Dewitte, Olivier; Mutyebere, Rodgers; Kabaseke, Clovis; Twongyirwe, Ronald; Kanyiginya, Violet; Kagoro-Rugunda, Grace; Huyse, Tine; Jacobs, LiesbetCitizen science (CS) is gaining global recognition for its potential to democratize and boost scientific research. As such, understanding why people contribute their time, energy, and skills to CS and why they (dis)continue their involvement is crucial. While several CS studies draw from existing theoretical frameworks in the psychology and volunteering fields to understand motivations, adapting these frameworks to CS research is still lagging and applications in the Global South remain limited. Here we investigated the reliability of two commonly applied psychometric tests, the Volunteer Functions Inventory (VFI) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), to understand participant motivations and behaviour, in two CS networks in southwest Uganda, one addressing snail-borne diseases and another focused on natural hazards. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire administered to the CS participants and a control group that consisted of candidate citizen scientists, under group and individual interview settings. Cronbach’s alpha, as an a priori measure of reliability, indicated moderate to low reliability for the VFI and TPB factors per CS network per interview setting. With evidence of highly skewed distributions, non-unidimensional data, correlated errors and lack of tau-equivalence, alpha’s underlying assumptions were often violated. More robust measures, McDonald’s omega and Greatest lower bound, generally showed higher reliability but confirmed overall patterns with VFI factors systematically scoring higher, and some TPB factors—perceived behavioural control, intention, self-identity, and moral obligation—scoring lower. Metadata analysis revealed that most problematic items often had weak item–total correlations. We propose that alpha should not be reported blindly without paying heed to the nature of the test, the assumptions, and the items comprising it. Additionally, we recommend caution when adopting existing theoretical frameworks to CS research and propose the development and validation of context-specific psychometric tests tailored to the unique CS landscape, especially for the Global South. Publicly Available Content DatabaseItem Cracking the Wealth Puzzle: Investigating the Interplay of Personal Finance, Expenditure Behavior, and Financial Management(Villnius University Press, 2024-10) Lulaj, EnkeledaThis paper investigated the wealth puzzle by examining the relationships among personal finance (PF), expenditure behavior (EB), and financial management (FM). Data from a diverse sample of 2000 individuals across regions such as Kosovo, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Turkey, Pakistan, Nepal, Uganda, Cameroon, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Albania, Oman, and Egypt were collected through an online questionnaire from 2023 to 2024, and processed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses using AMOS and SPSS programs. Results revealed the robust relationships among PF, EB, and FM, indicating their resilience and strong internal consistency, and underscoring their pivotal role in shaping individuals’ financial stability and well-being. Notably, EB emerged as a crucial determinant, highlighting the importance of aligning spending habits with family priorities, moderating excesses, and consistently reviewing for improvements. Moreover, critical variables within PF and FM underscored the necessity for strategic financial planning, efficient spending optimization, and the cultivation of resilience against unforeseen financial obstacles. This research has significantly advanced the understanding of wealth dynamics and provided practical insights for policymakers and educators to design targeted financial education initiatives that can improve financial well-being and longterm prosperity. Future research should concentrate on understanding underlying mechanisms and assessing intervention effectiveness across more variables and countries.Item Entrepreneurial ecosystem pillars and performance of SMEs in the manufacturing sector of Uganda(Emeraid insight, 2024-10) Birungi, Hajira; Mbidde, Cathy Ikiror; Mutunzi, Ahmed Kitunzi; Kiwaala, YusufItem SCREENING AND SIGNALLING NON-COGNITIVE SKILLS: EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE FROM UGANDA∗(Oxford University Press, 2022-02) Bassi, Vittorio; Nansamba, AishaWe study how employers and job seekers respond to credible information on skills that are difficult to observe, and how this affects matching in the labour market. We experimentally vary whether certificates on workers’ non-cognitive skills are disclosed to both sides of the market during job interviews between young workers and small firms in Uganda. The certificates cause workers to increase their labour market expectations, while high-ability managers revise their assessments of the workers’ skills upwards. The reaction in terms of beliefs leads to an increase in positive assortative matching and to higher earnings for workers, conditional on employment.Item Social realities in remote villages: Infant and young child feeding in Kirewa, Uganda(Public Library of Science, 2024-09-10) Schneider, Lauriina; Korhonen, Katja; Ollila, Sari; Mutanen, MarjaUnderstanding infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices in Africa requires an examination of the social context. Social relationships influence people through mechanisms such as social support, social influence, social engagement, access to resources and negative social interactions. This study explores how these mechanisms manifest in IYCF in remote villages in Uganda. In 2018, we conducted two focus group discussions each with mothers, fathers and grandparents, ande interviews with two clan leaders, six village health teamers (VHT) and four healthcare workers (HCW). We deductively searched the data for any indications of elements that could influence child feeding and health using the psychosocial mechanisms of social support, social influence, social engagement, access to resources and negative social interactions as the broader themes. The manifestation of social support involved practical help from mothers-in-law (MIL), financial contributions from fathers, and informational, instrumental, emotional and appraisal support from VHTs. Social influence by MILs mainly concerned the transmission of food-related beliefs and pressure to have many children. The social engagement of young mothers was restricted. Access to resources was stratified and affected by poverty, patriarchy, and knowledge of HCWs and VHTs. Negative social interactions included physical abuse, alcoholism, and fear-based relationships. We found the different psychosocial mechanisms to construct a useful framework for describing the social reality surrounding IYCF. Changing attitudes towards family planning, involving fathers in IYCF, and strengthening the position of VHTs as family advisers can potentially improve IYCF in rural Uganda.