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Item Claiming Kabale: racial thought and urban governance in Uganda(Informa UK Limited, 2013-02) Taylor, Edgar C.As Uganda's postcolonial leaders Milton Obote and Idi Amin sought to pin down Asians as legal and discursive subjects between 1969 and 1972, they invoked a contested administrative, political and social history to promote Africanisation initiatives. Traders targeted by the 1969 Trade Licensing Act in small towns such as Kabale reshaped malleable racial and legal categories in local administrative struggles over the control of urban space that did not map neatly onto policy-makers’ visions. Nevertheless, the perceived decisiveness of Milton Obote's legislation and of Idi Amin's subsequent expulsion decrees has obscured from subsequent narratives the messy politics of Uganda's urban spaces. This article draws attention to the opportunities and limits of legal claim-making at the intersection of racial thought and urban governmentality during the Trade Licensing Act's uneven implementation.Item Community based sociotherapy for depressive symptomatology of Congolese refugees in Rwanda and Uganda (CoSTAR): a protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial(Informa UK Limited, 2023-01-20) Kagabo, Daniel M.; Bangirana, Paul; Burnside, Girvan; Chiumento, Anna; Duarte, Rui; Gishoma, Darius; Girvan, Michelle; Jansen, Angela; Jansen, Stefan; Kasujja, Rosco; Lubunga, Rachel; Nevitt, Sarah; Nzaramba, Lucie; Sarabwe, Emmanuel; Jackson, Clare; Rahman, Atif; Richters, Annemiek; Robinson, Jude; Rutayisire, Theoneste; Ventevogel, Peter; White, Ross G.Background: Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has led to large numbers of refugees fleeing to Uganda and Rwanda. Refugees experience elevated levels of adverse events and daily stressors, which are associated with common mental health difficulties such as depression. The current cluster randomised controlled trial aims to investigate whether an adapted form of Community-based Sociotherapy (aCBS) is effective and cost-effective in reducing depressive symptomatology experienced by Congolese refugees in Uganda and Rwanda. Methods: A two-arm, single-blind cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT) will be conducted in Kyangwali settlement, Uganda and Gihembe camp, Rwanda. Sixty-four clusters will be recruited and randomly assigned to either aCBS or Enhanced Care As Usual (ECAU). aCBS, a 15-session group-based intervention, will be facilitated by two people drawn from the refugee communities. The primary outcome measure will be self-reported levels of depressive symptomatology (PHQ-9) at 18-weeks post-randomisation. Secondary outcomes will include levels of mental health difficulties, subjective wellbeing, post-displacement stress, perceived social support, social capital, quality of life, and PTSD symptoms at 18-week and 32-week post-randomisation. Cost effectiveness of aCBS will be measured in terms of health care costs (cost per Disability Adjusted Life Year, DALY) compared to ECAU. A process evaluation will be undertaken to investigate the implementation of aCBS. Conclusion: This cRCT will be the first investigating aCBS for mental health difficulties experienced by refugees and will contribute to knowledge about the use of psychosocial interventions for refugees at a time when levels of forced migration are at a record high.Item Creating a space for young women's voices: using ‘participatory video drama’ in Uganda(Informa UK Limited, 2011-01-18) Waite, Louise; Conn, CathThis article draws upon research that explored the experiences of young women in relation to sexual health in Uganda with a view to enhancing gender-sensitive strategies. We have coined the phrase ‘participatory video drama’ to describe the exploratory methodology that the young women participants in our research used to present stories about their lives. The aim of this article is to suggest that ‘participatory video’ (PV) and ‘participatory video drama’ (PVD) are innovative methodological tools to utilise when working with participants who experience voicelessness in their everyday lives. We contribute to an emerging body of work around this methodology by suggesting that the process of PV provides a novel and engaging platform for participants to express their experiences. PVD further creates spaces for the performative exploration of embedded power relations and is therefore informative and has the potential to be transformatory and empowering.Item Advancing gender diversity in leadership: the role of work-life balance and gender participation in Ugandan public universities(Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2025-04-12) Tushabe, Monica;; Kyambade, Mahadih;; Namatovu, Afulah ;; Oyella, SheillaDespite advancements in promoting gender equality in the workforce, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions across various organizations. Several studies have examined the relationship between women’s representation and work-life balance (WLB); however, limited attention has been given to the mediating role of gender participation. This study addresses this gap by expanding the congruity theory to assess the direct and indirect effects of work-life balance in public universities in Uganda, a context that has received minimal scholarly attention. A self-administered survey was conducted among 289 respondents using a convenience sampling technique. Structural and measurement models were analyzed using Smart PLS 4 software. The findings revealed that work-life balance directly influences women’s representation in leadership positions. Additionally, gender participation was found to mediate this relationship. These results highlight the importance of fostering inclusive and supportive work environments that accommodate diverse needs and promote women’s advancement into leadership roles. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing a nuanced understanding of the interplay between work-life balance, gender participation, and women’s representation. It further emphasizes the need to address systemic barriers and biases to enhance gender diversity and inclusion in organizational leadership. The findings offer practical recommendations for managers and policymakers to cultivate a supportive and inclusive organizational culture that values work-life balance and gender diversity. KEYWORDS Work-life balance;participation; womenrepresentation; leadership;congruity theory; UgandaItem Internal Stakeholder Engagement, Organizational Support, Project Team EZcacy and Project Success. A Case Study of USAID aided Projects in Uganda(Student's Journal of Health Research Africa, 2021) Kanyesige, BrendaThis study examined the relationship between internal stakeholder engagement, organizational support, project team efficacy, and project success among USAID projects in Uganda. The objectives were: to examine the relationship between internal stakeholder engagement and project team efficacy; organizational support and project team efficacy; project team efficacy and project success; and to examine the mediating effect of project team efficacy. The study applied a cross-sectional research design with a quantitative research approach. A sample of 44 projects was obtained by simple random sampling from a total of 50 ongoing projects. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The validity of the instrument was determined by expert judgment and Cronbach Alpha for reliability. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.25 to obtain frequencies, descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and inferential statistics in data presentation and interpretation. Findings established a positive relationship between stakeholder engagement and project team efficacy. The findings also found a positive relationship between organizational support and project team efficacy. There was a positive relationship between project team efficacy and project success. More so, findings obtained that project efficacy is a significant mediator in the relationship between organizational support and project success, but not significant in mediating the relationship between internal stakeholder engagement and project success. The findings further observed that the best predictor of project success is project team efficacy. Internal stakeholder engagement, organizational support, and project team efficacy are critical in project success. As far as project success is concerned, the factors take center stage. Moreover, project managers should concentrate most on project team efficacy.Item Appetitive aggression and associated factors among military soldiers retiring from active service in Uganda(Informa UK Limited, 2025-05-12) Bigirwa, Dan Mwangye; Rukundo, Godfrey Zari; Muwanguzi, Moses; Favina, Alain; Ashaba, ScholasticBackground: Appetitive aggression is a type of aggression that is characterized by a fascination with violence and a desire to inflict pain on the perceived enemy. This type of aggression has mainly been studied among former child soldiers and demobilized combatants. Information on appetitive aggression among retiring active service officers is limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of appetitive aggression and the associated factors among soldiers who are retiring from active service in Uganda. Methods: A sample of 247 retiring military soldiers from the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), who had assembled at Gaddafi Barracks in Jinja district in eastern Uganda in preparation for the retirement exercise, was randomly selected for this cross-sectional study. We assessed participants for appetitive aggression using the Appetitive Aggression Scale, and also collected information on alcohol and drug use, exposure to traumatic life events, post-traumatic stress disorder, childhood trauma, and depression. We ran logistic regression models to determine the factors associated with appetitive aggression among the study participants. Results: Ninety-seven per cent (n = 239) of the participants were male and the mean age was 46 years. The prevalence of appetitive aggression was 58%. Not being depressed (p = .040) and experience of traumatic events (p = .001) were associated with high odds of appetitive aggression. Conclusion: The prevalence of appetitive aggression among the study participants was high. Having experienced traumatic events was associated with a greater odds of appetitive aggression, while having depression was protective against appetitive aggression. Interventions aimed at preventing appetitive aggression among soldiers should target addressing the trauma experienced during their line of duty.Item Unveiling exogenous gaps enabling a cluster organization’s internationalization process(Emerald, 2024-12-05) Osarenkhoe, Aihie; Fjellström, Daniella; Komunda, Mabel BirungiPurpose We examined the internationalization process of business promotion organizations. We focused on the key stages and strategies and how the networks formed during this process can support their partners, particularly SMEs, in facilitating international expansion. Design/methodology/approach The theoretical lens: We combined the experiential learning-commitment interplay of the Uppsala model with a similar mechanism focused on business network relationships. A qualitative methodology: We used it to explore the question and the various forms of embeddedness within networks, offering an in-depth examination, particularly in the challenging natural settings of a cluster organization in geographic information systems (GIS). Findings We found that the cluster organization’s internationalization began regionally, forging connections with clusters in the Nordic and Baltic countries and Europe. Over time, the cluster recognized the importance of innovation leadership, leading to the integration of its core competencies with complementary technologies from other global geospatial technology hubs. Research limitations/implications The study fills research gaps by examining global linkages between regional clusters and international partners, focusing on external gaps. We explored how clusters can leverage global innovation systems and networks for matchmaking, capitalization and investment. Moreover, we addressed the need for more research on cross-cluster gaps and barriers to global market interaction. By providing insights into expanding beyond local interactions, the study enhances understanding of how clusters can increase the global reach and competitiveness of firms within them. Originality/value The platform established during the internationalization process was crucial, as SMEs within clusters often lack the resources, time and expertise to enter international markets alone. This platform helps SMEs overcome barriers such as size, resources and unfamiliarity with foreign markets.Item Ugandan hotel employee innovativeness: the role of transformational leadership and cultural intelligence(Emerald, 2025-05-05) Kisubi, Moses Kisame; Mukyala, Veronica; Namono, RehemaPurpose This study aims to determine the indirect influence of transformational leadership on cultural intelligence and employee innovativeness in the context of Ugandan hotel employees. Design/methodology/approach We employed a cross-sectional correlational design to collect and analyze data from 285 hotel employees. We tested for the mediation effect of cultural intelligence in the relationship between transformational leadership and employee innovativeness using Hayes’ PROCESS macro version 4.2 model 4. Findings The findings indicate a positive relationship between transformational leadership, cultural intelligence and employee innovativeness. Results further indicate that cultural intelligence partially mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and employee innovativeness. Research limitations/implications Empirically, we add to the existing findings that have established a positive relationship between cultural intelligence, transformational leadership and employee outcomes. More insightfully, results provide evidence of the indirect role of transformational leadership in this relationship. Practically, since hospitality is a multicultural setting, employees with high cultural intelligence adjust quickly as they interact with guests from different cultures. Originality/value The study established the mechanisms under which transformational leadership influences the relationship between cultural intelligence and employee innovativeness.Item Sustainability reporting, board gender diversity and earnings management: evidence from East Africa community(Emerald, 2023-02-24) Githaiga, Peter NderituPurpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the moderating effect of board gender diversity on the relationship between sustainability reporting (SR) and earnings management (EM) in the East Africa Community (EAC). Design/methodology/approach The study analyzed a sample of 71 publicly traded companies from 2011 to 2021. Findings The study finds that both SR and board gender diversity have a negative and significant effect on EM and that board gender diversity moderates the relationship between SR and EM. Practical implications The findings suggest that boards should support the adoption of SR and increase female representation as a practical way to reduce EM. Policymakers should also implement appropriate measures, such as imposing mandatory SR and gender quotas on corporate boards, to address EM. Originality/value This research adds to the limited knowledge of SR and EM in the EAC and also fills a gap in the existing literature by investigating the influence of board gender diversity on the link between SR and EM.Item Organisational culture and organisational commitment: the moderating effect of self-efficacy(Emerald, 2023-11-10) Opolot, Julius Samuel; Lagat, Charles; Kipsang, Stanley Kipkwelon; Muganzi, Yonah KattoPurpose This study aims at establishing the moderating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between organisational culture (OC) and organisational commitment in the perspective of institutions of higher learning in a developing country. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional design was used to obtain quantitative data from 572 academic staff in eight universities. The sample was selected following a simple random technique. The study data were analysed using SPSS version 23. Findings The study findings reveal that OC and self-efficacy influence organisational commitment. Further, self-efficacy moderates the relationship between OC and organisational commitment. Practical implications Universities should foster a culture that emphasises collaboration, open communication, inclusion, equity and staff development to increase organisational commitment. In order to build academic staff self-efficacy, universities should provide opportunities for training and development, mentoring, coaching, continuous performance evaluation, and regular feedback to stimulate academic staff's desire to remain committed to the institution. University administrators should look beyond traditional skills and competencies when recruiting future academic staff as their personal beliefs are essential to accelerating organisational commitment. Originality/value This study extends the current literature in organisational behaviour and provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between OC and organisational commitment using the Competing Values Framework. This study was also conducted in a developing country context, which can always lead to different results than studies conducted in developed countries.Item African perspectives on researching social entrepreneurship(Emerald, 2023-07-14) Farhoud, Mohamed; Bignotti, Alex; Hamann, Ralph; Kauami, Ngunoue Cynthia; Kiconco, Michelle; Ghalwash, Seham; Beule, Filip De; Tladi, Bontle; Matomela, Sanele; Kgaphola, MollettePurpose Context matters in social entrepreneurship, and it matters a lot. Social entrepreneurs are deeply entrenched in the context where they operate: they respond to its challenges, are shaped by it, and attempt to shape it in turn. The purpose of this paper is to discuss how social entrepreneurship in Africa is still understood within the scope of Western theories, without much consideration for local variations of the commonly shared archetype of social entrepreneurship or for how African norms, values and beliefs may shape our common understanding of this phenomenon. Design/methodology/approach The authors survey the often-neglected literature on social entrepreneurship in Africa and bring it together in this paper to discuss – also from the vantage point of their own experience and research in diverse African countries – how important assumptions in the social entrepreneurship literature are confirmed, enriched or challenged by key dimensions of African contexts. Findings Four important themes in the literature on social entrepreneurship in Africa emerged – institutions, embedding values, entrepreneurial behaviour and bricolage and scaling impact – each with its own considerations of how African contexts may challenge predominant assumptions in the extant social entrepreneurship literature, as well as implications for future research. Originality/value The authors uncover ways in which the peculiarities of the African context may challenge the underlying – and mostly implicit – assumptions that have shaped the definition and analysis of social entrepreneurship. They end by offering their understanding of social entrepreneurship and its concomitant dimensions in Africa as a stepping stone for advancing the field in the continent and beyond.Item Systems thinking approach to human resources development in public health supply chains(Emerald, 2024-11-18) Erin, Meier; Andrew, Nelson Brown; Barry, Chovitz; Dominique, Zwinkels; Egharevba, Michael; Bridget, McHenry; Kabatende, Joseph; Ines K. GegePurpose This practice forum paper aims to present a theoretical framework to better develop the required supply chain management (SCM) competencies and the workforce needed for managing public health supply chains. Design/methodology/approach This framework is driven by iterative systems thinking, a deeper consideration of the SCM labor market and a comprehensive mapping of human resource system requirements. The framework centers around three tools. A labor market analysis assesses factors influencing supply of and demand for health SCM workers in a country context. To improve supply of and demand for workers, the SCM Professionalisation Framework provides reference documents to establish health SCM as a recognized profession. The human resources for SCM Theory of Change explains and assesses the conditions required to achieve optimal workforce performance at the organizational level. The Ministry of Health in Rwanda applied these three tools sequentially to assess and improve the supply and performance of its health SCM workforce. Findings The authors describe this framework, how the tools were applied in Rwanda, and early impressions of the results. Practical implications Practitioners can apply this approach to improve SCM competence and promote the attractiveness of health SCM positions by formalizing their professional status. This could lead to a pool of individuals who seek SCM qualifications and, in time, overcome the current shortage of health SCM workers. Employers can apply this approach to structured roles and workforce needs to meet health SCM system requirements. This would lead to a greater demand for and use of appropriately trained personnel. Originality/value This paper presents a novel, iterative, systems-thinking approach to develop human resources in public health supply chains. Rwanda is the first country to apply all three tools using this framework.Item Social capital and sustainable growth of full-service restaurants in the global south: testing the mediating role of dynamic capabilities(Emerald, 2023-06-29) Najjinda, Shamirah; Sendawula, Kasimu; Otengei, Samson Omuudu; Walugembe, Ahmad; Kimuli, Saadat Nakyejwe LubowaPurpose The purpose of this study is to establish whether dynamic capabilities mediates the association between social capital and sustainable growth of full-service restaurants in Kampala, Uganda. Design/methodology/approach This study is cross-sectional and correlational in nature. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data from 154 full-service restaurants in Kampala. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS.25) and Medgraph – Excel Version were used to conduct correlation, hierarchical regression and mediation analysis on the data in order to establish the mediating role of dynamic capabilities. Findings Study findings revealed that first, social capital and dynamic capabilities significantly predict sustainable growth of full-service restaurants, second, social capital is significantly associated with dynamic capabilities and third, dynamic capabilities significantly mediate social capital and sustainable growth of full-service restaurants. Originality/value The study confirmed that dynamic capabilities significantly mediate social capital and sustainable growth of full-service restaurants unlike the previous studies that focused on the direct association between the study variables in explicating sustainable growth.Item Climate change and food security in EAC region: a panel data analysis(Emerald, 2019-10-14) Walaa, MahrousPurpose This study aims to analyze the impact of global climate change on food security in the East African Community (EAC) region, using panel data analysis for five countries, over 2000-2014. Design/methodology/approach The determinants of food security are expressed as a function of rainfall, temperature, land area under cereal production, and population size. The paper used pooled fixed effects to estimate the relationship among these variables. Findings Findings show that food security in EAC is adversely affected by temperature. However, precipitation and increasing areas cultivated with cereal crops will be beneficial to ensure everyone's food security. Originality/value Actions for mitigating global warming are important for EAC to consolidate the region’s economic, political and social development/stabilityItem Safety and risk analysis at railway crossings of north-south Addis Ababa light rail(Emerald, 2021-11-16) Sekasi, Jackson; Solihu, HabeebPurpose Railway-level crossings (RLCs) are the point of intersection between rail and road users and are therefore hotpots of road-rail user conflict and catastrophic collisions. The purpose of this study is to assess the risks associated with RLCs and suggest probable reduction measures. Through questionnaires and visual inspection, the authors identify the safety risks, hazards and hazardous events at some railway crossing of Addis Ababa light rail transit (AA-LRT) north-south (N-S) route. The identified risky events are then categorized based on As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) principle and generic risk ranking matrix. The authors then examine existing safety management measures at railway crossing and assess the need for additional safety management. Five major crossings on the 16.9 km (10.5 mi) N-S line, starting from Menelik II Square to Kality, were considered for the study. This study is carried out by data collection from about 145 stakeholders and the application of statistical data and risk analysis methods. The major findings of this study and the recommendations for improvement are suggested. Design/methodology/approach The research followed a case study approach. Through questionnaires and visual inspection, the authors identify the safety risks, hazards and hazardous events at some railway crossing of AA-LRT N-S route. The identified risky events are then categorized based on ALARP principle and generic risk ranking matrix. Collected data was then analyzed using SPSS to deduce relationships. Findings The study findings reveal human factors as the greatest cause of accidents, injury or death. About 22% of hazards identified by category are human factors, whereas 20% are because of technical problems. Intolerable risks stand at 42%, whereas the tolerable risks are at 36% according to risk classification results as per the ALARP model. Because the process of risk management is a long-term cycle, its importance should not be missed at any time. Research limitations/implications Because of design considerations of RLCs and the difference in generalized human behaviors for people of a given region, the results are limited to AA-LRT RLCs. This study opens a discourse for detailed evaluations, qualitative and quantitative analysis into the categorized identified hazards. There is also room for additional research into the performance of RLCs aimed at formulating standard necessary features that should be included on RLCs for proper risk control especially in emerging economies. Originality/value The research paper is original and has not been submitted for consideration to other journals.Item Export logistics infrastructure and export competitiveness in the East African Community(Emerald, 2022-03-11) Olyanga, Anthony Moni; Shinyekwa, Isaac M.B.; Ngoma, Muhammed; Nkote, Isaac Nabeta; Esemu, Timothy; Kamya, MosesPurpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of export logistics components: shipment arrangements, timely delivery, customs quality, trade infrastructure, and tracking and tracing on export competitiveness of firms in the East African Community (EAC). Design/methodology/approach The study adopted the Structural Gravity Model and the Poisson pseudo-maximum likelihood (PPML). PPML a nonlinear estimation method was applied in STATA on a balanced panel data for the period of 2007–2018. Data were obtained from World Bank International Trade Centre (ITC), World Bank Logistics Performance Index (LPI) and World Bank development indicators. Findings Results show that timely delivery and tracking and tracing of exports are positive and significant predictors of export competitiveness in EAC countries. Conversely, shipment arrangements, customs quality and trade infrastructure have no influence on export competitiveness. Research limitations/implications The results of this study show that export logistics components of shipment arrangements, customs quality and trade infrastructure do not matter at the present in improving export competitiveness in the EAC. There is a need to examine the intricate nature of the EAC economy to further this study's findings. Practical implications The EAC partner states should embrace deep integration by removing the behind the border trade barriers in addition to other trade restrictions, to create a common economic space among member states. This will further shrink the delivery time and the tracking and tracing of exports hence improving the competitiveness of EAC exports within the region and outside. Also, common and harmonized trade policies and regulations should be implemented through mutual recognition agreements where countries agree to recognize one another's conformity assessments. Originality/value This study explains the complex dynamic interactions of export logistics factors in the EAC using quantitative data and that this interaction has an effect on the export competitiveness in import-dominated countries with less harmonization in their trade policies.Item Asset specificity, relational governance, firm adaptability and supply chain integration(Emerald, 2023-12-07) Nakayima, Farida; Ntayi, Joseph; Namagembe, Sheila; Kabagambe, Levi; Muhwezi, MosesPurpose This study investigates how asset specificity, relational governance and firm adaptability relate with supply chain integration (SCI), considering selected food processing firms (FPFs) in Uganda. Design/methodology/approach This study applies a quantitative research methodology. This research draws on a sample of 103 FPFs that have been selected from a population of 345 FPFs located in Kampala district. Hypothesis testing was done using Smart PLS version 3. Findings Asset specificity has a significant positive relationship with SCI, and firm adaptability partially mediates this relationship. Also, there is a full mediation impact of firm adaptability on the relationship between relational governance and SCI. Research limitations/implications This study focused on perceptual measures to get responses from managers on the level of integration with key suppliers and customers, yet firms deal with a number of suppliers and customers. Originality/value This study contributes to existing literature on SCI by applying the transaction cost theory. The study focuses on the influence of asset specificity, relational governance and firm adaptability on SCI in the food processing sector. Literature on relational governance in supply chain using the transaction cost theory remains scanty. Few studies have also focused on firm adaptability as a mediator in the FPS with specific focus on Uganda, yet the sector is highly faced with uncertain events. The uncertain events in the sector and in developing countries call for adaptive strategies. Additionally, this study is the first to use firm adaptability to mediate the influence of asset specificity and relational governance on SCI more so in a developing country like Uganda where the FPS is one of the most important in the economy.Item Small and medium enterprise agro-processing firms supply chain performance: the role of owner-manager’s managerial competencies, information sharing and information quality(Emerald, 2023-11-15) Namagembe, Sheila; Mbago, MusaPurpose The study examined the influence of small and medium enterprise (SME) owner-managers' managerial competencies on supply chain performance, the mediation role of information quality on the SME owner-managers' managerial competencies and supply chain performance relationship, the mediating role of information quality on the information sharing and supply chain performance relationship and the mediating role of both information sharing and information quality on SME owner-managers' managerial competences and supply chain performance relationship. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from SME agro-processing firms. The determined sample size for the agro-processing firms was 200, while an effective sample size of 177 was obtained. The Covariance Structural Equation Modelling software was used to obtain results on the influence of SME owner-managers' managerial competencies on supply chain performance, the mediation role of information quality on the SME owner-managers' managerial competencies and supply chain performance relationship, the mediating role of information quality on the information sharing and supply chain performance relationship and the mediating role of both information sharing and information quality on SME owner-managers' managerial competences and supply chain performance relationship. Findings Findings indicated that a positive significant influence of SME owner-managers' managerial competencies on supply chain performance and the presence of partial mediation effects when the mediating role of information quality in the SME owner-managers' managerial competencies and supply chain performance relationship and the information sharing and supply chain performance relationship is tested. Also, a partial mediating role of information sharing and information quality is obtained in the SME owner-managers' managerial competencies and supply chain performance relationship. Research limitations/implications The study mainly focused on SME agro-processing firms eliminating other SME manufacturing firms. Also, the research employed a wholistic approach when studying the SME agro-processing firms without focusing on how SME owner-managers' managerial competencies would affect information sharing, information quality and supply chain performance based on the market type (local or foreign) and the source of raw materials (local or foreign) and the impact of information sharing on information quality hasn't been given significant attention in the existing literature. Originality/value The research focused on the mediation role of quality of information shared by SME owner-managers in the relationship between information sharing and supply chain performance, the mediating role of information quality in the SME owner-managers' managerial competencies and supply chain performance and the mediating role of both SME owner-manager's information sharing and quality of information shared in the relationship between SME owner-managers' managerial competences and supply chain performance. These mediation effects haven't been given significant attention in previous research. Further, while information sharing and information quality have been studied, they have been studied at a supply chain level, not at a managerial level.Item Personal traits and formalization of entrepreneurial ventures: insights from a developing country(Emerald, 2024-01-02) Sendawula, Kasimu; Najjinda, Shamirah; Nanyanzi, Marion; Kimuli, Saadat Nakyejwe Lubowa; Walugembe, AhmadPurpose The purpose of this study is to explore how the personal traits of the informal entrepreneurs influence their formalization decisions. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a qualitative approach using a multicase design in which 28 informal entrepreneurs situated in Kampala district, Uganda, were engaged. An interview guide, recorders and note books were used in data collection. Findings The results indicate that the traits of informal and semiformal entrepreneurs are distinct. Informal entrepreneurs have been noted to be more courageous and resilient, while their semiformal counterparts have greater passion for their businesses. It is thus observed that the formalization prospects are higher for the semiformal entrepreneurs than for their informal counterparts. Entrepreneurs that would be willing to formalize their businesses are discouraged by distance, technology and the cost of involving middlemen. Whereas the resilient entrepreneurs are noted to work through these challenges, the passive ones in both the informal and semiformal categories will not formalize their businesses by giving such excuses. Originality/value This study contributes to the extant literature on informal entrepreneurship by providing initial empirical evidence on how the personal traits of the entrepreneurs influence their formalization decisions specifically.Item Implementing the Uganda lower secondary competence-based curriculum: the equity question(Emerald, 2025-01-16) Barasa, Mercy Chemutai; Ssentamu, Proscovia Namubiru; Chang’ach, John Koskey; Kurgat, Susan JepkoechPurpose This paper aims to explore the extent to which the Uganda lower secondary curriculum (LSC) reform, instituted in January 2020, has ensured equitable educational opportunities for secondary school learners considering school and learner socio-economic status. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was adopted in which the experiences and perceptions of both facilitators and implementers of the reform were gathered using interviews and lesson observations. Findings Data revealed disparities among high and low socio-economic-status schools in their preparedness and capacity to implement the reform, with the consequence of divergent educational opportunities for learners in these contexts. Research limitations/implications The sample was limited to government-aided secondary schools and thus excluded private schools; the majority in Uganda. This means that the findings may be limited in generalizability. However, the majority of private schools serve the lower socio-economic demographic, so the study findings and implications may extend to them as well. Practical implications The findings suggest that unless the government intervenes with measures to boost the capacity of schools in low socio-economic contexts to implement the reform, the outcome of the curriculum may be a society further stratified along socio-economic lines. Social implications The findings indicate that the new LSC may contribute greatly to social stratification through disparate educational opportunities for different sections of the Ugandan populace. This could work against national socio-economic ambitions and also lead to non-achievement of the UN SDG4 of quality, equitable, inclusive education for all. Originality/value This paper demonstrates how Uganda, a developing nation, is faring in the achievement of the global educational policy goal of equity in the implementation of its competence-based LSC reform. It highlights key policy and research gaps that should be addressed to promote equitable learning opportunities for all learners.