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Item Experiences of childhood violence and violence perpetration and the association with inequitable gender norms and violence justification in humanitarian settings in Uganda(Taylor & Francis group, 2025-12) Kisaakye, Peter;; Muthuri, Stella;; Odwe, George ;; Kabiru, Caroline;; Habteyesus, Dagim;; Dessie, Yadeta;; Wado, Yohannes;; Wandera, Bonnie;; Seruwagi, Gloria;; Obare, Francis;; Undie, Chi-ChiExperiences of childhood violence and violence perpetration and the association with inequitable gender norms and violence justification have been extensively studied in non-humanitarian settings, and among older populations. However, there is a gap in understanding these associations within humanitarian contexts, particularly from the perspective of children and youth. We used data from the Uganda Humanitarian Violence Against Children and Youth Survey, a representative, cross-sectional household survey of 2,265 children and youth aged 13–24 years living in refugee settlements in Uganda. We explored associations between endorsement of inequitable gender norms, intimate partner violence (IPV) justification, and experiences of violence and/or perpetration of violence in childhood. Experience of any childhood violence was significantly associated with an increase in endorsement of inequitable gender norms among females and IPV justification among males. This pattern was similar for 18-24-year-olds. Among 13-17-year-olds, IPV justification was significantly associated with experience of any childhood violence among females and perpetration of violence among males. Our findings suggest the need for gender-transformative violence prevention interventions that start early in the life course, and that address inequitable gender socialisation and power relations. School-based violence prevention interventions, community-based approaches to form gender equitable attitudes among adolescents, parenting interventions, and interventions with children and adolescents that had experienced childhood violence have shown considerable success in other settings, and could be adapted to humanitarian settlements.Item Why do countries resettle refugees? An analysis of Sweden’s commitment to refugee resettlement(Springer International Publishing, 2025-12) Emilsson, HenrikThis article examines the motivations behind Sweden’s longstanding commitment to refugee resettlement, contributing to broader debates about state-led humanitarian action and global responsibility sharing. Drawing on parliamentary debates from the 1950s to the 2020s, the study identifies key shifts in how Swedish policymakers have framed and implemented resettlement as a durable solution in collaboration with the UNHCR. Initially driven by labor market needs and humanitarian concerns post-World War II, Sweden’s policy shifted towards more diverse, non-European refugee groups in the 1970s and beyond, showcasing a broader commitment to international solidarity and responsibility sharing. The parliamentary debates reflect a political consensus to support the growth of the international refugee resettlement regime by showing humanitarian leadership and leading by example. The recent 2022 policy shift to reduce the refugee quota signals a recalibration influenced by domestic concerns. Keywords Resettlement, Sweden, Migration policy, Refugee protection, HumanitarianismItem Learning by doing: Bringing feminist values to life in program learning practices for quality violence prevention(Elsevier Inc, 2025-12) Nevatia, Tvisha;; Adong, Harriet;; Kamisya, Josephine ;; Laruni, Yvonne;; Lwanyaaga, Julius;; Omunyokol, Denis;; Kajoba, Joanitah;; Ghebrebrhan, Natsnet;; Namy, SophieAbstractThis article discusses a feminist approach to learning and its practical applications for organizations working to prevent violence against women and children, which remain largely undocumented in existing literature. Feminist principles emphasize that the way we learn is as important as the knowledge we create, centering values such as equality, care and justice that align with the broader focus of violence prevention work. Through real-world experiences and perspectives from three feminist activist organizations in Uganda, this article highlights the complexities of translating feminist principles into tangible action. The three organizations came together to discuss and analyze achievements and setbacks they experienced in applying feminist values in their program learning activities. Their experiences demonstrate that, when done with intention and quality, feminist learning strengthens the inclusivity, safety and quality of violence against women and violence against children prevention programming. Yet upholding feminist learning principles is not without challenges. These include (1) a lack of appropriate and flexible donor support compounded by donor-grantee power hierarchies, (2) gaps in addressing intersecting inequalities and including a gender-power analysis in learning activities, and (3) lack of intentional documentation of practice-based learning to help challenge existing hierarchies around what counts as evidence. Applying feminist principles supports dynamic learning that prioritizes holistic assessment and responsive programming. The article concludes with a set of practical recommendations for both donors and practitioners to create a supportive organizational environment and adequate resources for feminist learning.Item Implementing Reverse Logistics Practices in the Supply Chain: a case study analysis of recycling firm(Mbago, M., Ntayi, J. M., Mkansi, M., Namagembe, S., Tukamuhabwa, B. R., & Mwelu, N. (2025). Implementing reverse logistics practices in the supply chain: a case study analysis of recycling firms. Modern Supply Chain Research and Applications., 2025-05-06) Mbago, Musa; Ntayi, Joseph M.; Mkansi, Marcia; Namagembe, Sheila; Tukamuhabwa, Benjamin R.; Mwelu, NoahThe global focus on supply chain efficiency underscores the importance of frameworks like the Supply Chain Operations Reference model, which integrates reverse logistics (RL) into supply chain management. This study explores the understanding of RL among recycling firms, key drivers behind its practices, implementation effectiveness and RL success factors in developing economies. Using a phenomenological philosophy and a qualitative multiple case study approach, the research examines leading recycling firms in East Africa, particularly in Uganda. Semi-structured interviews with practitioners yielded contextual insights analyzed through thematic and cross-case analysis to uncover key themes and patterns. RL emerges as a multidimensional process and strategic initiative aimed at environmental and operational goals. Key drivers include environmental concerns, economic incentives, regulatory pressures and technological advancements. The implementation of RL necessitates a holistic approach that encompasses material collection, product recovery and discard. The findings emphasize that successful RL implementation relies on management commitment, strategic partnerships, technological investments, and collaboration with stakeholders. Moreover, community engagement and skilled personnel, continuous adaptation and cost management are crucial for sustaining RL operations.Item Older people’s conceptualisation of poverty and their experiences of government programmes in Uganda(Development in Practice, 2019-12-03) Kabuye, Rosette; Mukasa, NormanThis article explores older people’s understandings of poverty and analyses their experience of government policies for fighting poverty. It employed qualitative methods, including focus group discussions and key informant interviews. A total of 120 older people in two districts in Uganda participated in the study. Based on thematic analysis and observation of non-verbal communication, older people’s perspectives on poverty included a wide range of deprivations in their household. Findings reveal that there is a lack of legislation support and effective information for old people to demand accountability or influence policy strategies to address poverty. Despite the difficult living conditions of older people in poverty, the majority live independent lives, are self-reliant and use a variety of strategies to address poverty. Therefore, there is a need for scrutiny to ensure that poverty alleviation support reaches those who need it most.Item Co-evolution and Sustainable Procurement in Humanitarian Organizations: The Mediating effect of Self-organization(American Journal of Supply Chain Management, 2024) Aryatwijuka, Wilbroad; Arimpa, Joan Shina; Mutebi, Henry; Tukamuhabwa, Benjamin; Muhwezi, MosesThe study examined the role of self-organization in facilitating co-evolution and sustainable procurement in Humanitarian Organisations (HOs). Materials and Methods: Using simple random sampling, data were collected from 79 Hos with respondents purposively selected following a quantitative cross-sectional design, which was analyzed through partial least structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS version 4.0.9.0. Co-evolution and self-organization play a significant role in the attainment of sustainable procurement, and the relationship between co-evolution and sustainable Procurement is partially mediated by self-organization. Implications: Co-evolutionary and self-organizing approach are introduced to allow humanitarian agencies procure sustainably during relief operations. HO procurement functions can interact with other partners in their procurement activities by continuously engaging each other and sharing resources. By confirming mediation, the mediation role of self-organization in the relationship between co-evolution and sustainable procurement among HOs, the study provides critical insights in the evolving literature. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study shows that co-evolution connects with self-organization and sustainable procurement. Furthermore, it explains how self-organization mediates the relationship between co-evolution and sustainable procurement.Item ‘I AM IMPORTANT’: Reflections from young people in Kenya and Uganda on the value of participation for children affected by sexual abuse and exploitation(Elsevier Inc, 2025-12) Cody, Claire;; Soares, Claire;; Nabulya, Anna ;; Nakijoba, Barbara;; Ekesa, Tim;; Matheka, Joy KatungeThe United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child gives children a fundamental right to participate in all decisions that affect them. ‘Participation’ is now a common ‘good practice’ principle when supporting, and working with, children and young people. However, practitioners are often unsure of how to facilitate the safe and meaningful collective participation of children and young people with lived experience of sexual abuse and exploitation (bringing them together in groups to inform and influence decision-making or actions that affect them as a specific group). Research indicates that there are myriad potential benefits when young people engage in safe and meaningful participatory processes. This Practice Perspective shares details of a participatory project we initiated with young people who had lived experience of child sexual abuse and exploitation and who had previously engaged in participatory initiatives. It shares their perspectives on the potential benefits of participatory practice for young people and the wider community. 19 young people, aged 17–25, in Kenya and Uganda took part in a series of workshops culminating in the development of a podcast to share their views on the topic.Item Interventions addressing ritualistic child sexual abuse in post-conflict Eastern DRC: Reflections on child welfare policy and programming(International Social Work, 2020) Kasherwa, Amani C.; Twikirize, Janestic M.Ritualistic child sexual abuse (RCSA) is an under-recognized and poorly addressed form of child maltreatment. Despite a relative decrease of war-related sexual violence in post-conflict Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the existing monitoring reports leave no doubt that RCSA remains a public health problem of high significance. While RCSA requires urgent action, little has been done to address it. This article critically examines RCSA as a predatory form of child maltreatment and the lack of relevant child welfare interventions to address it. Based on a broader empirical study of ‘RCSA in post-conflict Eastern DRC’, the article argues that although RCSA is not socially condoned by the communities, the interventions on the ground are inadequate for addressing this phenomenon. The article also suggests some perspectives for addressing the phenomenon, in addition to some reflections on child welfare policy and programming as well as implications for social work training and practice.Item Engaged Scholarship through Community Social Labs: Advancing Indigenisation of Social Work Education in Uganda(Journal of Comparative Social Work, 2025-07-08) Opobo, Timothy; Abalo, Jannette; Kafuko, Agatha; Twikirize, Janestic M.; Awich, Eric Ocen; Mugumya, FirminusThe indigenisation of social work education in Africa is a response to the limitations of Western-centric approaches to addressing complex local social issues. This paper explores the role of engaged scholarship and community social labs in indigenising social work education in Uganda. The study analyses data from four focus group discussions, and student WhatsApp conversations, to examine how these approaches facilitate meaningful community engagement and the integration of local knowledge into the social work curriculum. The results show that community social labs can help with cultural sensitivity and problem-solving that is relevant to the situation. They also demonstrate that institutional constraints and power dynamics may hinder this transition. Despite these issues, the study suggests that engaged scholarship through community social labs has significant potential to make social work education and practice in Uganda more culturally sensitive and responsive to local realities. Even with these challenges, the study suggests that engaging scholars in community social labs has a lot of potential to make social work education and practice in Uganda more sensitive to local cultures and needs.Item Ritualistic child sexual abuse in post-conflict Eastern DRC: Factors associated with the phenomenon and implications for social work(Child Abuse & Neglect, 2018-07-25) Kasherwa, Amani Clovis; Twikirize, Janestic MwendeRitualistic child sexual abuse (RCSA) is a critical and under-recognised form of child maltreatment prevailing in developing countries. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), children from specific communities suffer complex forms of RCSA perpetrated with extreme brutality by various individuals and groups of conspirators. Although the DRC has achieved significant milestones towards combatting war-related sexual abuse of women and children, disturbing forms of RCSA, notably child kidnapping, rape, child defilement for fetish and superstitious beliefs, child sexual exploitation, and cult-based child marriage persist and affect many victims. This study examines the factors associated with the resurgence of RCSA in post-conflict eastern DRC. The article also discusses the implications of such forms of abuse for social work practice and education in a post-war context.Item Re-imagining Social Work Education in East Africa(Social Work Education, 2023-03-20) Nilsen, Ann Christin E.; Kalinganire, Charles; Manyama, William; Ochen, Eric Awich; Twikirize, JanesticTo an increasing extent, scholars of social work have called for social work education and practice to be more responsive to local norms, customs and needs. Commonly referred to as indigenization, these scholars argue that social work curricula should incorporate practices, theories and understandings that are developed locally, eschewing the ‘professional imperialism’ that have come to dominate the discipline. This is also the case at universities in East Africa. Over the last decades, research emerging from local knowledge has developed substantially in the region. In this article we ask to what extent this is reflected in the social work curricula at three universities in Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, including a Norwegian comparative case. The article relies on a review of the curricula, addressing the characteristics of the teaching materials, the nationality and gender of the authors of the teaching materials, and the local relevance of the teaching materials, questioning whether they build on empirical data from a local or African context and to what extent they address issues of local or regional relevance. Our findings reveal that the presence of national or African authors and publications with a local empirical content is still marginal at the three East African universities.Item “You must cut that long and stinking thing”: uncovering the lived experiences of uncircumcised pokot women in North- Eastern Uganda(BMC Women's Health, 2022-11-04) Kalengo, Noah; Musinguzi, Laban. K.; Twikirize, Janestic MwendeFemale circumcision remains a dominant practice among the Pokot of North-Eastern Uganda. This paper explores the lived experiences of uncircumcised Pokot women, as they continue to live in a community, where the practice is cherished. This qualitative study adopted an ethnographic research design. The study was based on thirty [30] serial interviews with 15 uncircumcised women in the Pokot local language between August and October 2021. Five [5] Key Informant Interviews were also conducted with key informants from Amudat District. A Focus Group Discussion with women, irrespective of their circumcision status, was organized as an entry point to identify the initial uncircumcised woman. Uncircumcised women were recruited using respondent-driven sampling while key informants were purposively selected. Data were analyzed thematically. Participants were allocated codes to ensure anonymity. Participants expressed understanding of female circumcision, and the procedure although they were not circumcised. Denial of participation in community and cultural functions, rejection by elders and relatives, difficulties in getting marriage partners, denial of conjugal rights and basic needs, refusal to give names to their children, and home desertion were the negative experiences reported by uncircumcised women. Sexual enjoyment during sexual intercourse, epitomized by the ease of reaching orgasms, fewer complications while giving birth as well as reduced risk of exposure to sexually transmitted diseases were mentioned by participants as their positive experiences. Uncircumcised Pokot women continue to experience unbearable challenges since female circumcision is perceived as the only rite of passage to womanhood. This calls for intensified awareness of the population on the challenges associated with female circumcision refusal while demonstrating the positive experiences mentioned by uncircumcised women, that can be exploited as the beacon of hope.Item Understanding Ubuntu and its contribution to social work education in Africa and other regions of the world(Social Work Education, 2024-02-06) Mugumbate, Jacob Rugare; Mupedziswa, Rodreck; Twikirize, Janestic M.; Mthethwa,Edmos; Oyinlola, OluwagbemigaThe overarching philosophy of Black people of Africa is known by different names but Ubuntu is the most popular name. Ubuntu’s origin is attributable to Black Africans in all regions of the continent—North, West, Central, East and South. Different communities may emphasize its different aspects but they are common knowledges, values and practices. The article begins with a discussion of the philosophy of Ubuntu and its application at the micro (individual and family), meso (communal), macro (societal, environmental and spiritual) levels. The roles of Ubuntu in social work education are then discussed with a focus on Africa. These roles are offering a philosophical foundation; being a source of ethics and values; being a source of knowledge including theories; offering a history of African social work; shaping social work methods; building the confidence of educators, learners and communities; shaping research; being a pedagogical approach; enriching fieldwork education; and indigenizing and decolonizing. However, there are several impediments to the full use of Ubuntu, including the colonial history of the profession, changes to African society and lack of Ubuntu-inspired educational resources. The authors recommend continuous development and use of educational resources that are created with Ubuntu philosophy as a guiding principle.Item Reimagining Indigenised Social Work in Uganda: Voices of Practitioners(International Social Work, 2023-03-12) Wamara, Charles Kiiza; Twikirize, Janestic; Bennich, Maria; Strandberg,ThomasUsing thematic analysis, this study examined social workers’ (n = 21) descriptions of what Indigenised social work practice in Uganda entails. Responses from semi-structured interviews revealed the following three themes that inform social workers’ understanding of Indigenised social work practice: (1) collective action and mutuality, (2) communal welfare and respect for life and (3) liberation and restoration. The discussion aims at understanding the hallmarks of each description in relation to the notions of Indigenised social work as culturally inclusive and responsive practice, developmental social work and political action.Item Social innovations in rural communities in Africa’s Great Lakes region. A social work perspective(Journal of Rural Studies, 2023-09-24) Spitzer, Helmut; Twikirize, JanesticIn Africa's Great Lakes region, many rural communities face serious challenges including chronic poverty, lack of infrastructure, high unemployment, inadequate education systems and healthcare services, as well as a fundamental absence of public social protection mechanisms. In some contexts, rural dwellers suffer from the additional burden of armed conflict and political violence. Yet, rural populations show remarkable indications of resilience and exhibit innovative ways of handling their problems by themselves. Some of these approaches can be qualified as social innovations. With its focus on the role of social work in rural social innovation processes, this article aims to contribute to some under-researched aspects at the intersection of social innovation, rural studies, and social work practice. Empirical evidence of rural social innovations is based on a regional study on indigenous and innovative models of problem solving in five African countries. Here, the focus is on two case examples from Uganda and Rwanda. For Uganda, a community-based concept of household clusters to promote rural development called akabondo is presented. The example from Rwanda is called umugoroba w'ababyeyi and refers to a family strengthening and community development program that has been mainstreamed into government policies. This model is located in the challenging context of a post-genocide society. A critical analysis of these models refers to the question whether they fall into the category of a social innovation; to major players in implementing such innovations; to their impact on rural communities and the wider society; as well as to challenges facing such innovations.Item Management Accountants’ Competence, Accounting system, Organizational structure, and Management Accountants’ Expectation gap in Uganda.(African Accounting and Finance Journal, 2023-10-01) Najjemba, Grace Muganga; Kabuye, Frank; Musimenta, Doreen; Najjuma, Mariam SsemakulaThis study aims to establish the existence of Management Accountant’s Expectation Gap and its perceived variability with management accountants’ competence, management accounting system and organizational structure. As a corollary, it examines the contribution made by management accountants’ competence, management accounting system and organizational structure in closing Management Accountant’s Expectation Gap. This study is cross-sectional and correlational, and it uses firm-level data that was collected by means of a questionnaire survey from a sample of 242 manufacturing firms in Kampala – Uganda. Results suggest that management accountants’ competence, management accounting system and organizational structure are significant predictors of Management Accountant’s Expectation Gap. This study focuses on manufacturing firms in Uganda, and it is possible that these results are only applicable to the manufacturing sector. More research is therefore needed to further understand the contribution of management accountants’ competence, management accounting system and organizational structure in narrowing Management Accountant’s Expectation Gap in other sectors such as the accounting firms. The results suggest that policy makers prescribe qualifications for management accountants and outlining roles of management accountants in the accountants’ act 2013 to ensure that management accountants engage in the right roles thus closing the Management Accountant’s Expectation Gap. According to Budding and Wassenaar (2021) study, there is a Management Accountant’s Expectation Gap however, no research has hitherto been undertaken that investigates the individual contribution of Management accountants’ competence, management accounting system, organizational structure in closing the gap.Item Exploring perceptions and experiences of gender-based violence among women in a refugee camp setting in Uganda—A qualitative study(Public Library of Science, 2024-12-17) Lukasiak, Miriam;; Palmieri, Jack;; Svensson, Pia ;; Tumwine, Gilbert;; Agardh, AnetteBackgroundGender-based violence (GBV) is an internationally widespread human rights and public health issue, known to be exacerbated and underreported in humanitarian settings and among conflict-affected populations. A combination of factors including increased vulnerability, lack of protection and marginalization are believed to increase the risk for GBV in settings such as displacement and refugee camps. An increased understanding of GBV in these populations is needed to inform and improve future policy changes and interventions. This qualitative study sought to explore women's perceptions and experiences of GBV in a refugee camp setting in Uganda to increase the understanding of the dynamics and risk contexts of GBV in the context of displacement and refugee camps.MethodsThis was a qualitative study based on individual semi-structured interviews and content analysis. The interviews were conducted during October 2023 with women living in a refugee camp setting in Western Uganda. The participants (N = 13) included female refugees, residing in the refugee camp, above eighteen years of age and who were survivors of GBV.ResultsFindings showed no easy escape route from gender-based violence, with a high exposure to GBV throughout the refugee experience. The nature of GBV, the perpetrators and risk contexts however seemed to shift throughout the process from conflict to the refugee camp. Increased marginalization and lack of resources compounded by a shift in gender roles in the refugee camp where women seemed to assume the role of the primary provider increased the risk of violence in pursuit of basic needs. Women described extensive intimate partner violence (IPV) in the camp often connected to new gendered power dynamics and the control of resources. Faced with the struggles of migration, marginalization, and GBV, women displayed various coping mechanisms including rebuilding networks and support systems.ConclusionsOur study showed the complexity of GBV in settings such as refugee camps, where various structural and individual changes involved in migration and life in a refugee camp seemed to create new risk contexts for GBV both inside and outside of the household. Interventions across various dimensions including addressing underlying conditions of marginalization and gendered power dynamics are therefore warranted to address GBV in refugee camps. Further research is essential to better understand this complex issue, as well as the perception and effectiveness of services and interventions in place.Item Social determinants of hazardous alcohol use in a Ugandan population cohort(Taylor & Francis group, 2025-04-10) Ziegel, Leo;; Sjöland, Carl Fredrik;; Nabunya, Erinah ;; Bulamba, Robert;; Kyasanku, Emmanuel;; Mugamba, Stephen;; Kigozi, Godfrey;; Kigozi, Grace;; Daama, Alex;; Miller, Amanda P.;; Hollander, Anna-Clara;; Hammarberg, Anders;; Nalugoda, Fred;; Ekström, Anna MiaThere is a limited population-based data on hazardous alcohol use and associated social determinants in many African countries. To examine patterns of hazardous alcohol use across a range of social determinants of health in Uganda, with a particular focus on gender differences. This cross-sectional study used data collected in 2021-2022 from an open population cohort spanning urban, semi-urban, and rural communities. Alcohol use was assessed with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C). Covariates were selected according to the WHO's Social Determinants of Health framework. Poisson regression with robust variance was used for data analysis. Of the 3459 participants, 2085 (60%) were women. Overall, the prevalence of hazardous alcohol use was 5% among women and 18% among men. Strong positive associations with hazardous use were found for individuals residing in semi-urban areas (female aPR 2.1 [95% CI 1.3-3.3], male aPR 1.8 [95% CI 1.4-2.5]), past-year perpetration of intimate partner violence (female aPR 2.2 [95% CI 0.8-5.6], male aPR 1.4 [95% CI 0.9-2.2]), smoking, middle age for men (aPR 1.6 [95% CI 1.2-2.2]), and employment as a vendor in a restaurant or bar for women (aPR 1.5 [95% CI 1.0-2.2]). Strong negative associations were found for high educational attainment, Muslim or Pentecostal religion, and living in a marriage or union for women (aPR 0.7 [95% CI 0.5-1.0]). Hazardous alcohol use was prevalent, especially among men, in a representative Ugandan population sample. Specific target groups for public health and clinical interventions were identified, such as women working in the hospitality sector. Residents of semi-urban communities may encounter unique risks for hazardous alcohol use, compared with rural and highly urban populations. MEDLINEItem Unveiling venture capital’s disruptive power; fuelling innovation and economic growth in high-impact firms in East Africa(Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2025-07-26) Kato, Ahmed IdiAbstract Venture capital (VC) possesses the extraordinary ability to transform start-ups into global leaders, spurring innovation, generating employment, and catalysing economic expansion through increased funding and supportive policy frameworks. Yet, small- and medium-sized enterprises frequently face numerous obstacles that hinder their growth and success. Despite this, the remarkable impact of VC in accelerating the development of high-impact firms is still not fully appreciated. This study examines the impact of VC funding on high-impact firms in East Africa, investigating how VC transforms start-ups from mere funding recipients to industry leaders. In a ground-breaking study utilizing panel data from 61 VC firms spanning from 2015 to 2023, we delved into the transformative influence of VC on innovation and economic growth within high-impact firms in East Africa. The findings reveal a dynamic synergy between VC funding and supportive public policies, which together foster the emergence of innovative start-ups and accelerate the successful commercialization and market expansion of these businesses. This research emphasizes that by understanding the disruptive potential of VC, we can unlock significant innovation and prosperity. The insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs aiming to stimulate economic growth and foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. To drive this promising journey towards a prosperous future, the demand for a significant increase in VC supply in the region is critical. Future inquiries are needed to validate the kinds of conclusions that can be drawn from this study, specifically exploring the long-term impact of VC investment on the East African start-up landscape.Item Toward a holistic model of sustainable investment decision-making in SMEs: a structural approach in a developing economy(Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2025-07-28) Bindeeba, Dedrix Stephenson;; Tukamushaba, Eddy Kurobuza;; Bakashaba, RennieSustainable investment practices are increasingly recognized globally, yet their uptake among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in developing economies is insufficiently understood. This study investigates the factors influencing sustainable investment decision-making among 372 SMEs in Kampala and Wakiso, Uganda. Data were collected using convenience sampling through a mixed-mode questionnaire administered via face-to-face interviews and online forms. Integrating Institutional Theory, Resource-Based View, and the Theory of Planned Behavior, the research examines how environmental risk exposure, perceived regulatory clarity, government incentives, technological capability, financial access, competitive pressure, and business network strength shape the perceived value of sustainable investment. Employing covariance-based structural equation modeling, the study tests both direct and mediated effects. Results reveal that environmental risk negatively influences perceived value, while technological capability, financial access, network strength, and competitive pressure positively influence it. In contrast, perceptions of regulatory strength and government support do not exhibit significant effects, likely due to low enforcement and institutional trust. The perceived value of sustainable investment strongly predicts actual sustainability-oriented investments, confirming its mediating role. These findings offer practical insights for policymakers and development actors seeking to foster sustainable transitions in resource-constrained environments. CrossRef