Browsing by Author "Atukunda, Gershom"

Now showing 1 - 9 of 9

Budgetary Control, Managerial Competencies and Performance of Higher Local Governments in Eastern Uganda
(Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies, 2024-06) Atukunda, Gershom; Atwiine, Johnson; Musiita, Benjamin; Atwine, Aquilionus; Koruragire, Emmanuel
The study aimed to explore the correlation between budgetary control, managerial competencies, and the performance of higher local governments in Uganda's Eastern region. Through a cross-sectional research design, 30 higher local governments out of a population of 32 were analyzed against predictor variables. Validity and reliability tests were conducted on research instruments to ensure data quality. Findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between budgetary control and performance, as well as between managerial competencies and performance. Moreover, there was a statistically significant relationship between both budgetary control and managerial competencies on performance. Regression analysis showed that 55.9% of performance variation was explained by these factors, leaving 44.1% to other factors not considered. Recommendations include strengthening financial management processes and investing in training programs to enhance managerial skills, ultimately improving local government performance
Community perceptions towards the implications of human activity on River Rwizi, Uganda sustainability
(Int. Res. J. Earth Sci., 2018-06-20) Nagawa, Goretty; Atukunda, Gershom; Nuwabimpa, Milton; Atwongyeire, Doreen
This study was undertaken in the cells of Kiswahiri, Buremba and Nyakaizi in Kakoba Division of Mbarara Uganda. The research was done as a baseline study for investigating the possibility of implementing a project for conservation of river Rwizi as a way to restore its natural stability since it is highly depreciating due to degradation hence it is the major source of water in the Mbarara dry corridor of nomadic pastoralists and other cattle keepers. In order to establish the extent of river degradation; a survey on the effects of community activities and peoples’ beliefs towards river depreciation was done. The study investigated on perceptions of the community towards river Rwizi degradation in a way to establish the possibility of involving the people into river conservation; in order to reactivate the river from drying, silt and other degradation indicators. This emerging crisis of the river drying up has affected natural; social and economic activities negatively especially in the areas of the river catchment; hence the need for river conservation to save nature in river catchment; and in other water sources in which Rwizi drains; that connect into world waters such as river Nile and lake Victoria. People appreciate the river since it is a source of water for irrigation and domestic use. The river as well l to rainfall formation; through evaporation, in addition to provision of water for animals. The anthropological factors have led to continuous reduction in volume and speed of Rwizi profile. The natural vegetation at river banks is getting continuously replaced by agricultural plants and bare lands. The growing of crops next to river banks involve tilling of land and softening soil; making it bare and prone to erosion; parts of agricultural land get deposited into the stream leading to widening of river channel and siltation of the continuous drying. The major land use activities that have degraded and deteriorated river Rwizi include cultivation, industrialisation and settlements, cattle rearing, sand mini There is great need for adjusting policy procedures for conservation of the river towards integrating well the current conservation needs and population demands.
Corporate Governance Practices, Operating Environment and Financial Sustainability of Saccos in Greater Mbarara District
(Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies, 2024-06) Atukunda, Gershom; Musiita, Benjamin; Atwiine, Johnson; Atwine, Aquilionus; Olyanga, Anthony Moni
: This study investigated the link between corporate governance practices, the operating environment, and the financial sustainability of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) in the Greater Mbarara region. It aimed to understand how each factor, and their combined effect, influence SACCO's financial health. The study employed a cross-sectional design and analyzed data from 164 SACCOs (sample size determined using Krejicie and Morgan table (1970). Statistical analysis revealed that both corporate governance practices and the operating environment have a positive and significant relationship with SACCO's financial sustainability. Additionally, their combined effect was also found to be positive and significant. The results suggest that 42.6% of the variation in financial sustainability can be explained by these two factors, leaving 57.4% to be influenced by other, unexplored aspects. To further improve SACCO's financial health in the region, the study recommends fostering communication with decision-makers, collaborating with governance and environmental experts, and implementing continuous monitoring of governance initiatives and environmental adaptations.
Enhancing Stakeholder Collaboration for Educational Inclusion of Children in Street Situations in Kampala District, Uganda
(The Educator, 2023) Annah, Atuhaire; Ronald, Bahati; Atukunda, Gershom; Jonah, Nyaga Kindiki; Namubiru, Proscovia; Kyohairwe, Stella; sekamatte, David
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number four target five seeks to eliminate all forms of discrimination in education for marginalized groups and vulnerable groups like street children. However, their inclusion in mainstream education has not been explored. Literature acknowledges collaboration among stakeholders as vital for reflection of practices and knowledge exchange and also used as a strategy to foster creativity and innovation necessary for effective implementation of inclusive education. This study explored perceptions of selected stakeholders towards collaboration as a strategy for enabling inclusion of children in street situations in mainstream education and how such collaboration can be enhanced. A qualitative approach was adopted selecting Kampala as a case. Five officials from government and Non- governmental organizations were selected purposively to participate in this study. The data was generated using semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically. Respondents perceived collaboration as key to effectively include children in street situations in education. However, there were less meaningful relationships amongst stakeholders and majority of them were not performing their roles regarding the education of a child. The participants’ experiences of collaborative practices revealed barriers that hindered their partnership regarding the educational inclusion of children in street situations. The study thus concluded that collaboration can be enhanced through a multi-sectorial approach that brings all actors on board in planning and implementation of education inclusion of children in street situations. The study, therefore, recommended that the government should strengthen collaborative practices amongst stakeholders through policy formulation, sensitization and allocation of funds to implement a well-designed educational program based on the learning needs of children in street situations. These findings are of great importance to the Ministry of Education, Head teachers, teachers, Non-Governmental Organizations and other government bodies responsible for the welfare of children in street situations in planning and policy formulation, guidance for including children in street situations in mainstream education so that they gain from the efforts of inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
Factors Affecting Acceptability of Blood Donation Exercises in Rural Areas Compared to Urban Centers in Mbarara District
(International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development, 2023) Agaba, Ellon; Laban, Waswa Bright; Atukunda, Gershom
Introduction:The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that blood donation by 1% of the total population is generally the minimum needed to meet a nation’s most basic blood requirements The study was about the factors affecting acceptability of blood donation exercises in rural compared to urban areas in Mbarara District. The objectives of the study were; to find out the individual factors, establish environmental factors, and investigate the cultural factors influencing the acceptability of blood donation in rural and urban areas in Mbarara district. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional study design, descriptive and analytical in nature involving both quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection and analysis. The population of study were perceived blood donors in Mbarara district from which a sample size of 384 perceived blood donors were recruited. Of the 384 respondents, 192 were gotten from rural areas and 192 were from urban areas in Mbarara District. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were used to examine associations between acceptability of blood donations and the independent variables i.e., individual factors environmental and cultural factors. Results:384 participants recruited in this study. Of these, 192 were recruited from rural area and 192 recruited from urban centers.The study findings revealed that the individual factors affecting acceptability of blood donation exercise in rural and urban areas in Mbarara District were blood donation experience of 4-6 years (AOR = 0.17, 95% CI = 1.22 – 1.36, P =0.004) and household decision making by the husband (AOR=0.15, 95% CI = 0.03 – 0.78, P = 0.024). Topography of place of residence (AOR=0.18, 95% CI = 0.03-0.94, P=0.043), mode/means of transport (AOR=0.48, 95% CI = 0.10-0.22, P<0.001), and distance to blood donation points (AOR = 0.157, 95% CI = 0.69 – 0.36, P < 0.001) were the environmental factors affecting blood donation exercises in both rural and urban areas. The results finally revealed no significant association between cultural factors (religion, culture, social norms) and acceptability of blood donation exercises in both rural and urban areas. Conclusions:Blood donation experience of 4-6 years and household decision making by the husband are individual factors affecting acceptability of blood donation exercise in rural and urban areas in Mbarara District. Topography of place of residence, mode/means of transport, and distance to blood donation points the environmental factors affecting blood donation exercises in both rural and urban areas. No significant association between cultural factors (religion, culture, social norms) and acceptability of blood donation exercises in both rural and urban areas. Recommendations:The ministry of health in collaboration with other stakeholders such as the Uganda Red Cross Society and Uganda Blood Transfusion Service should intensify blood donation sensitization campaigns so as to encourage more people to voluntarily donated blood from where they can acquire blood donation experience. Additionally, the sensitization campaigns of these stakeholders should also target husbands to allow their wives to make personal choices and decisions regarding blood donation. The ministry of health in collaboration with other stakeholders such as the Uganda Red Cross Society and Uganda Blood Transfusion Service should set up more blood collection points in different areas so as to ease movement of potential blood donors to the nearest blood collection points. This would also help to minimize geographical barriers to acceptability of blood donation. Finally, blood transfusion services across Africa should consider designing additional culturally appropriate interventions to boost blood donation. Such interventions must take into account the languages spoken by the target audience and the types of myths about blood donation to be demystified
Factors Affecting Acceptability of Blood Donation Exercises in Rural Areas Compared to Urban Centers in Mbarara District
(International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development, 2023-09) Agaba, Ellon; Atukunda, Gershom; Bright Laban, Waswa
Introduction:The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that blood donation by 1% of the total population is generally the minimum needed to meet a nation’s most basic blood requirements The study was about the factors affecting acceptability of blood donation exercises in rural compared to urban areas in Mbarara District. The objectives of the study were; to find out the individual factors, establish environmental factors, and investigate the cultural factors influencing the acceptability of blood donation in rural and urban areas in Mbarara district. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional study design, descriptive and analytical in nature involving both quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection and analysis. The population of study were perceived blood donors in Mbarara district from which a sample size of 384 perceived blood donors were recruited. Of the 384 respondents, 192 were gotten from rural areas and 192 were from urban areas in Mbarara District. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were used to examine associations between acceptability of blood donations and the independent variables i.e., individual factors environmental and cultural factors. Results:384 participants recruited in this study. Of these, 192 were recruited from rural area and 192 recruited from urban centers.The study findings revealed that the individual factors affecting acceptability of blood donation exercise in rural and urban areas in Mbarara District were blood donation experience of 4-6 years (AOR = 0.17, 95% CI = 1.22 – 1.36, P =0.004) and household decision making by the husband (AOR=0.15, 95% CI = 0.03 – 0.78, P = 0.024). Topography of place of residence (AOR=0.18, 95% CI = 0.03-0.94, P=0.043), mode/means of transport (AOR=0.48, 95% CI = 0.10-0.22, P<0.001), and distance to blood donation points (AOR = 0.157, 95% CI = 0.69 – 0.36, P < 0.001) were the environmental factors affecting blood donation exercises in both rural and urban areas. The results finally revealed no significant association between cultural factors (religion, culture, social norms) and acceptability of blood donation exercises in both rural and urban areas. Conclusions:Blood donation experience of 4-6 years and household decision making by the husband are individual factors affecting acceptability of blood donation exercise in rural and urban areas in Mbarara District. Topography of place of residence, mode/means of transport, and distance to blood donation points the environmental factors affecting blood donation exercises in both rural and urban areas. No significant association between cultural factors (religion, culture, social norms) and acceptability of blood donation exercises in both rural and urban areas. Recommendations:The ministry of health in collaboration with other stakeholders such as the Uganda Red Cross Society and Uganda Blood Transfusion Service should intensify blood donation sensitization campaigns so as to encourage more people to voluntarily donated blood from where they can acquire blood donation experience. Additionally, the sensitization campaigns of these stakeholders should also target husbands to allow their wives to make personal choices and decisions regarding blood donation. The ministry of health in collaboration with other stakeholders such as the Uganda Red Cross Society and Uganda Blood Transfusion Service should set up more blood collection points in different areas so as to ease movement of potential blood donors to the nearest blood collection points. This would also help to minimize geographical barriers to acceptability of blood donation. Finally, blood transfusion services across Africa should consider designing additional culturally appropriate interventions to boost blood donation. Such interventions must take into account the languages spoken by the target audience and the types of myths about blood donation to be demystified.
Financial Innovations and Profitability of Commercial Banks in Uganda
(Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies, 2024-06) Atukunda, Gershom; Musiita, Benjamin; Atwiine, Johnson; Atwine, Aquilionus; Olyanga, Anthony Moni
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between financial innovation and profitability of commercial Banks in Uganda. The study was prompted by the low profitability evidenced by some banks being closed down because of low profitability. The study adopted a cross-section and descriptive research design using Roscoe 1975 to get a sample size of 24 commercial banks. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect the responses. Based on the goals of the study, the data was examined for validity and reliability, examined using SPSS, and the results were reported. The results showed that the profitability of commercial banks in Uganda had a positive and significant association with both process and product innovation, suggesting that improving one will benefit the other. However, product innovation was found to be a stronger predictor of profitability in commercial Banks in Uganda. With these findings, the study contributes to providing empirical evidence that financial innovation in commercial banks is highly influenced by commercial banks introducing and improving their products/services since it results in profitability. There is also a need to put much emphasis on Financial Innovations by continuously introducing and improving on the existing products/services. The Commercial Banks in Uganda should promote and appreciate Financial Innovations as they are vital not only in enhancing cost minimization, thus improving profitability
ON-SPOT BILLING SYSTEM, COST OF WATER, REVENUE COLLECTION MECHANISM & REVENUE COLLECTION PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC UTILITY ENTITIES EVIDENCE FROM NWSC MBARARA CENTRE
(Bishop Stuart University, 2023) Nekemia, Ampiire; Atukunda, Gershom; Nuwagaba, Arthur
Revenue collection performance is vital in promoting efficiency in the service delivery and economic development of organizations. The purpose of the study was to determine the contribution of on-spot billing system, cost of water and revenue collection mechanism on revenue collection performance of public entities in Uganda. The study objectives were to establish the contribution of cost of water on the revenue collection performance in NWSC, to examine the contribution of revenue collection mechanism on revenue collection performance in NWSC, and to find out the relationship between on-spot billing system and revenue collection performance in NWSC. The study was guided by the cash management theory which focuses improving liquidity and it adopted a cross sectional research design. Data was collected using a questionnaire and an interview guide. 108 respondents participated in the study. Data was entered into SPSS, and analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings show that the cost of water significantly contributes to revenue collection performance in NWSC, Mbarara Centre. Results also indicate that location of pay points, the failure to automate revenue collection, the number of pay points, and mode of paying bills significantly contributed to Revenue Collection Performance Findings. Further affirm that on-spot billing has a significant effect on revenue collection performance at NWSC because it enhances revenue collection performance. Basing on the results of the study, it is recommended that the government should subsidise more the cost of water, customers be engaged in the pricing or mode of payment for water bills, number of pay points be increased and establish more convenient ways of paying for water like of mobile money agents and more attention be attached on improving on the on spot billing system and meter reading challenges and also that customers be sensitized on their roles to NWSC.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MANAGEMENT OF THE U.S.E. PROGRAM AND ESTABLISHMENT OF PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN IBANDA MUNICIPALITY
(Bishop Stuart University, 2023-02) Nuwagaba, Vicent; Atukunda, Gershom; Kyayemagye, Florah
The study assessed the relationship between management of the USE program and establishment of private secondary schools. The study employed across sectional design by which data was collected basing on what is going on at the particular point of time. The study population included MEO, parents, inspectors, head teachers and teachers. A sample size of 344 respondents participated in the study, quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics formulae provided by the statistical packages for social science SPSS v.16. Also the independent variable was correlated with dependent variable using Pearson correlation. The statistical package for social scientists (SPSS 22.0) were used in the analysing of data. The study found out that there is a high positive significant relationship between management of the USE program and establishment of private secondary schools in Ibanda Municipality at P=0.002 at level of significance 0.01, r = 0.878. It was further concluded that there is a high positive significant relationship between management of the USE program and establishment of private secondary schools in Ibanda Municipality. Management of the use program is responsible for the establishment of private secondary schools in Ibanda Municipality. It was recommended that the government should conduct effective supervision of universal secondary schools to improve the effectiveness of USE program. The government should set the limit of fees for students in private schools to enable all parents who have children in private schools afford the fees