UCU Scholar
Welcome to the Uganda Christian University Scholar
It aims to collect, preserve and showcase the intellectual output of undergraduate students of UCU. This growing collection of research includes dissertations, Extended Essays, Past Exam Papers, Research Reports, and more.
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Recent Submissions
Impact of supplier digital literacy on E procurement system utilization in local government entities
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-22) Kathylen Cynthia Namatovu
Though, the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) systems are becoming popular,
In Uganda, notably in small scale, the involvement of suppliers from the local
government level is low in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). This study
investigated the effect of local suppliers' digital literacy on the use of the e-procurement
system in Uganda. government D seventh entities were guided by the Technology
Acceptance Model (TAM). The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) has been
developed by government entities guided by it, Davis (1989).
The study pursued three specific objectives: to assess the current levels of digital literacy
among registered suppliers, to measure suppliers’ actual system use, and to determine the
relationship between digital literacy and e-GP system utilization. The survey approach
involved a cross-sectional study design. Data were gathered from 31 individuals,
including suppliers, vendors, and procurement officers from local government agencies in
Uganda. Digital literacy was gauged through a five-item tool, which evaluated
operational capability, navigation, documentation, technical competence, and digital
literacy awareness. System use was gauged through behavioral measures such as system
use frequency, ease of use ratings, and online task completion.
The study recommends that PPDA adopts to structured, tier-based digital literacy training
for suppliers. The local governments are recommended to put in place appropriate
measures for supporting suppliers. A usability redesign of the e-GP system based on user
experience principles is proposed. Future studies should consider employing large sample
sizes and long-term designs, and performance indicators to assess e-procurement use.
Record keeping effectiveness and financial accountability in Mukono District Local Government
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-08) Vivine Safi Birungi
The research focused on studying the link between effective record keeping and financial accountability in Mukono District Local Government of Uganda. The research was prompted by the observation of ineffective record-keeping practices and their effects in terms of financial accountability issues, which were reported in various Auditor General Reports of the same district. The main objectives were to (i) analyze record-keeping practices in Mukono District Local
Government; (ii) evaluate the financial accountability levels in Mukono District Local Government; and (iii) study the relationship between record-keeping effectiveness and financial accountability in Mukono District Local Government.
For this research design, a cross-sectional correlational approach to the research methodology utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches was applied. Using a formula for Slovin, stratified random sampling of the selected respondents was done out of the entire sample population, which consisted of 180 respondents involved in accounting and finance management and accountability system practices. The instruments used in collecting the data in this research are: structured questionnaire, unstructured interview, and document analysis. Data analysis involves the use of SPSS version 26.0 for descriptive statistics, correlation, and linear regression. From the results, it can be concluded that record-keeping activities in Mukono District were moderately to highly performed, with a composite mean score of 3.42. However, there were some major shortcomings in record storage and protection, with a mean score of 3.19 and timeliness in record maintenance with a mean score of 3.28. Financial accountability was also moderately observed, with a composite mean score of 3.38. The poorest indicators in terms of financial accountability were audit performance, which had a mean score of 3.02, and budget discipline, which had a mean score of 3.21. According to Pearson's correlation analysis, there existed a highly positive relationship between record-keeping effectiveness and financial accountability, with r = 0.712 and p < 0.001. Also, regression analysis indicated that record-keeping effectiveness was a good predictor of financial accountability, with β = 0.684 and p < 0.001. The research established that improving the effectiveness of record keeping was an important factor for increasing financial accountability in the Mukono District Local Government. Some recommendations from the research included the adoption of electronic record keeping processes, capacity building through training of employees, improvement of internal audit processes, and adherence to financial policies and regulations. This would help minimize any financial irregularities.
A hybrid intent-driven and retrieval-augmented conversational framework for reliable University information access
(Uganda Christian University, 2026) Nicole Mary Johnson; Humphery Mubiru; Ethan Ariko
Students at Uganda Christian University frequently struggle to access timely and accurate institutional information because relevant details are scattered across notice boards, social media groups, and outdated web pages. This report presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of a hybrid multi-channel chatbot that merges intent-based routing, keyword retrieval, vector-based semantic search, and large-language-model generation to deliver context-grounded answers drawn from seventeen verified university documents. The system was deployed as both a web application and a WhatsApp integration, offering multilingual support in seven languages through the Sunbird translation service. Functional testing across representative query categories showed that the hybrid retrieval strategy returned relevant context for the majority of test queries, while a confidence-aware fallback mechanism directed users to appropriate university offices when the knowledge base could not provide a reliable answer. The findings indicate that combining complementary retrieval methods with grounded generation is a viable approach for building dependable information assistants in resource-constrained university settings.
Foreign policy and regional stability in East aAfrican Community: An analysis of Uganda’s role in regional stability
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-08) Shibbah Natasha Kyabagye
Thisresearchpaperinvestigatedtherelationshipbetweenforeignpolicyandregionalstabilityin Furthermore, Ugandawillachieveregionalintegrationthrougheconomicinterdependenceand contributionmadebysecuritypoliciesintheattainmentofregionalstabilitywithintheEAC, and policiesinEACwillfacilitatecooperationinsecurity, intelligence, and peacekeeping. Other recommendations includedincreasingintelligencesharing, jointtraining,andborder Finally, recommendationsfromtheresearchincludetheneedforimproveddiplomaticrelations
diplomaticpoliciesintheattainmentofregionalstabilitywithintheEAC, to establish the study concentrated on the following objectives: to examine the extent ofthe contribution made by was done through interviews and questionnaires, andbothpurposiveandsimplerandomsampling
Across-sectionalsurveydesignwasappliedinthecarryingoutofthisresearch. Data collection todeterminethecontributionmadebytradepoliciesintheattainmentofregionalstabilityinthe within the EastAfrican Community through diplomatic relations, security cooperation, and EAC. methods were employed. Atotalnumberof133employeesandtopmanagementoftheMinistry of Foreign Affairs were involved in this study.
economicpolicies.Diplomaticdialogue,mediation,andinvolvementinvariousEACforumswill tradeliberalization,whichwilldecreasetheriskofconflictsandsustainregionalstability. theEACthroughtheanalysisoftheinvolvementofUgandainensuringregionalstability.This
TheresearchfindingshaveindicatedthatUgandaisveryimportantinensuringregionalstability
ensurepeace,cooperation,anddecision-making.Ontheotherhand,commonforeignandsecurity
byfosteringdialogues,improvingitscapacityinmediationandconflictprevention,aswellasthe
incorporationofitsdiplomaticandsecuritypoliciestopromoteregionalsecuritycooperation.
management,aswellaseconomicdiplomacythroughtradefacilitationandeconomicagreements.
The effect of corporate governance practices on performance of public universities in Uganda: a case of Kyambogo University
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-04-17) Patricia Mwiza
The study assessed the effect of corporate governance and performance of Kyambogo University. The the major study objectives were; to examine the role played by University Governance boards; to The findings revealed that corporate governance variables namely board size, had a negative effect on the relationships between corporate governance with regard to institutional performance were affecting their performances. The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of Corporate Governance practices on the involved at strategic planning process of the University to improve on their roles as board members which and senate should understand and make effective policies and decisions regarding employee benefits and performance of Kyambogo University (r = -0.516, p-value < 0.01) while board effectiveness have a positive establish the relationship between Board contingency and performance of public Universities; and to retirement plans. Good policies on terminal, medical and long service award; Boards also should be establish the relationship between corporate governance and performance of public Universities. The study recommended that to manage institutional turbulence like employee strikes or unrest, council collected, (Glass & Hopkins, 1984).Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was used to determine the magnitude of study was carried out at a time when turbulences at Kyambogo University and other Public Universities performance of public Universities in Uganda with particular reference to Kyambogo University. And impact on firm performance (r = 0524, P-value<0.01). establish the relationship between Board effectiveness and performance of public Universities. ; to at Kyambogo University. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative designs to describe the data The study used a descriptive research design given the nature of the study of corporate governance practice events are in line with the mission and vision of the University.
Performance management practices and employee performance in MTN, Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-30) Jackline Atukwatse
The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of performance management (PM) practices on employee performance in MTN, Uganda. More specifically, the study thought to assess the effect of performance appraisals on employee performance in MTN, Uganda, to assess the effect of training and development on employee performance in MTN, Uganda and to assess the effect of performance feedback on employee performance in MTN, Uganda. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design in the research. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. In conclusion, MTN, Uganda, actual performance could be compared to the desired performance; therefore, the outcome is evaluated and a development plan is set based on the weakness. MTN, Uganda therefore needs to put more investments on training to maximize performance of its employees by making them more effective and efficient. To increase and maximize performance, MTN, Uganda needs to carry out performance reviews through giving performance feedback to its employees so as to motivate them, and in doing so, they not only reduce staff turnover but also attract the right kind of people who can give maximum performance. The researcher recommended that MTN, Uganda needs to realize that it is a telecommunication firm that is there to serve Ugandans. The telecommunication firm should turn around the challenges it faces, re-inventing their workforce, processes, procedures and practices by embracing the performance management (PM) aspects of; performance appraisal,
training and development and performance feedback. For further research, the researcher would suggest that a survey of different company in a different sector in the country should be carried out on performance feedback instead of focusing on MTN, Uganda. This will enable the other researchers to collect information relating to performance feedback from staff of different service firms.
The impact of Electric Point Of Sale (EPOS) System on supply chain coordination case study: Mega Standard Supermarket
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-07) Lucky Peace Lamaro
This study looked into how electronic point of sale systems affected the coordination of the supply chain in a retail business, specifically, the Mega Standard Supermarket in Kampala, Uganda. The study's three main goals were to ascertain how the supply chain’s coordination was impacted by the EPOS systems’ information-sharing capabilities, inventory replenishment support, and stock management efficacy. This study used a case study research design and a quantitative research methodology. 52 respondents completed questionnaires to provide data, which were further examined using the SPSS software, both inferential statistics (correlation analysis) and descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, averages, and standard deviations) were used. The results showed a statistically significant positive association between supply chain coordination and the POS systems’ ability to share information and their stock control effectiveness. Supply chain coordination was found to have a statistically negligible link with inventory replenishment support, notwithstanding their favorable relationship. In summary, suggestions were made for improved system integration, provision of
comprehensive training, and ensuring reliable ICT infrastructure since even though the use of EPOS systems, which provide real-time data regarding stocks, helps in proper coordination of the supply chain, their role had been restricted by various factors, such as lack of system integration with suppliers and inadequate infrastructure.
The effect of financial risk management on financial performance of commercial banks in Uganda: a case of Stanbic Bank, Mukono Branch
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-07) Daphine Kukundakwe
The study looked at the impact of financial risk management on Ugandan commercial banks' financial results, using Stanbic Bank in Mukono as an example. In particular, it looked at how credit risk management affected Stanbic Bank's financial performance, how liquidity risk management affected Stanbic Bank's financial performance, and how operational risk management affected Stanbic Bank's Mukono branch's financial performance. In addition to using a quantitative research approach, the study was conducted using a cross- sectional survey research design. Stratified sampling was employed in the data collecting process, and questionnaires were used to gather the information. This study employed a sample size of 52 workers who work in various departments at the Stanbic Bank branch in Mukono. The study findings established that financial risk management significantly affects the financial performance of Stanbic Bank Uganda, Mukono Branch, with credit risk management (r = .636*,p < .05), liquidity risk management (r =.674**, p < .05), and operational risk management (r=.605**, p < .05) all showing strong and statistically significant positive relationships with
financial performance. The results suggest that good practices like credit appraisal, liquidity management, internal controls, staff training, and risk management policies reinforce financial stability, minimize possible losses, and eventually increase the profitability and general performance of the bank. Finally, the research suggested that Stanbic Bank Uganda, Mukono Branch needs to enhance financial risk management through the following improvement of credit appraisal and loan monitoring, the improvement of real-time liquidity management and contingency planning, the strengthening of internal controls and regular audits, and the continuous staff training..
The effect of inventory management practices on service delivery: a case of study on Pearl Wellness Center, Mukono
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-08) Priscilla Nabajja
This study examined the effect of inventory management practices on service delivery at Pearl Wellness Centre in Mukono, Uganda. The main objective of the study was to assess how inventory management practices influence service delivery, with specific focus on inventory management practices used at the Centre, the relationship between inventory accuracy and service delivery, and the challenges affecting effective inventory management. This study adopted a mixed-methods approach, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. A sample of 15 was surveyed through questionnaires, interviews and observations. Data was tabulated, frequency and percentages were used to interpret the findings. The study established that Pearl Wellness Centre has basic inventory management practices that include using previous consumption data, stock-taking and matching physical and recorded stocks. The study also revealed a positive link between inventory accuracy and service delivery, in that inventory accuracy results in less emergency orders, better service and satisfied customers. But the study found factors negatively impacting effective inventory management, such as lack of financial support, ineffective supplier coordination, use of manual systems, absence of modern technology and poor supervision. The study found that good inventory management practices enhance service delivery at Pearl Wellness Centre by ensuring supply of medical items and avoiding service disruptions. The study concluded that the Centre should implement computerised systems, improve supplier coordination, increase funding for inventory management, and strengthen staff training and supervision to improve inventory performance and service delivery. Accuracy and service delivery, and the challenges affecting effective inventory management.
A web-based UCU fleet management system: a case study of Uganda Christian University
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-04-26) Kassim Kiyaga; Patrick Lubogo; Abusolom Masai; Peter Domado
Transportation services are a critical component of institutional operations in universities, supporting academic fieldwork, administrative functions, and logistical coordination across departments. Uganda Christian University currently relies on a partially manual fleet management process where vehicle requests are submitted through paper forms, approvals are handled manually, and vehicle dispatch coordination is conducted through the Facilities and Capital Projects Office. This process often leads to delays in approvals, lack of transparency in vehicle availability, and increased administrative workload. This project presents the design and implementation of a Digital Fleet Management System aimed at improving efficiency in vehicle booking, approval workflows, driver assignment, and fleet monitoring at Uganda Christian University. The system is implemented as a web-based application using a modern technology stack consisting of React for the frontend interface, Node.js with Express for the backend services, and MySQL as the relational database management system. Security mechanisms including JSON Web Token (JWT) authentication and encrypt password hashing were implemented to ensure secure system access and role-based authorization.
The system introduces multiple user roles including administrators, drivers, and requesters, each interacting with the system through role-specific dashboards. Core functionalities include vehicle browsing, transport request submission, automated vehicle availability checks, prevention of double bookings, trip assignment, and system activity logging. The system integrates frontend, backend, and database components to create a unified digital workflow that replaces manual paper- based transport request procedures. Implementation results demonstrate that the proposed system significantly improves operational
efficiency by centralizing fleet information, automating approval workflows, and providing real- time visibility of vehicle usage. The system also lays the foundation for future enhancements such as mobile application support, GPS vehicle tracking, and cloud deployment.
Resource-based conflict and social cohesion: a case study of refugee host communities in Nakivale settlement in Isingiro District
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-06-12) Janice Atai
This study examines the impact of resource-based conflicts on social cohesion among refugees and host communities in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Isingiro District, Uganda. The growing refugee population has increased competition for scarce resources such as land, water, firewood, employment opportunities, and social services, creating tensions that may affect peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities. Using a case study design and a desk approach, the study investigates the causes of resource-based conflicts and their effects on trust, cooperation, and social relationships within the settlement. The study finds that unequal access to resources, environmental pressures, and perceived inequalities in aid distribution are key sources of conflict. However, collaborative resource management, community dialogue, and conflict resolution mechanisms can strengthen social cohesion. The findings provide insights for policymakers and development partners seeking to promote peaceful coexistence, sustainable resource management, and stronger social integration between refugees and host communities in refugee-hosting areas.
Pesapath
(Uganda Christian university, 2026-05-26) Patra Natrinda; David Kizito; Brian Ntege; Edson Blair Kakama
Financial management remains a major challenge among young people in Uganda, especially due to limited financial literacy, poor saving habits, and lack of access to personalized financial guidance. Although mobile money and digital financial services are widely used, many youths still struggle with budgeting, expense tracking, and long-term financial planning. Existing financial applications mainly focus on transactions and provide limited support for financial education and responsible financial behavior.
To address these challenges, this project introduces PesaPath, an AI-powered mobile platform designed to improve personal finance management and budgeting among young people. The system enables users to track income and expenses, create budgets, receive AI-based financial advice, and access financial learning materials through an interactive in-app academy. PesaPath also promotes responsible financial habits using features such as gamified savings, spending alerts, and personalized financial tips.
The platform was developed using modern technologies including React Native, Next.js, Firebase, Nosql, and Google Gemini AI, with a focus on usability, accessibility, and scalability. Agile methodology and mixed research methods were used during system development to ensure the platform addresses real user financial challenges.
By integrating budgeting tools, financial education, and artificial intelligence into one platform, PesaPath aims to improve financial literacy, encourage better financial decision-making, and support sustainable financial well-being among young people in Uganda.
An IoT-powered smart waste management system: case study Mukono Municipality
(Uganda Christain University, 2026-05-28) Elijah Evans Ampaire; Elizabeth Otwiine; Jordan Otwiine; Joseph Munyiko
Solid waste management in Uganda’s growing urban centres faces a fundamental information problem: collection crews operate on fixed schedules with no knowledge of which bins actually need servicing. The result is a predictable cycle of overflow at hightraffic locations, wasted fuel on unnecessary trips to partially filled containers, and a near-total absence of the data that would allow municipal planners to do better. This project presents the SmartBin System, an Internet of Things (IoT) prototype designed to bring real-time visibility to waste management operations in Mukono Municipality. The system embeds an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor and a load cell into a modified public waste bin, processes sensor readings through an ESP32 microcontroller, and transmits structured data to a cloud database via Wi-Fi. A Node.js backend serves a web-based monitoring dashboard that displays live fill-level percentages, weight readings, alert notifications, and historical trend charts for every registered bin unit. Development followed a mixed-methods approach: qualitative interviews with municipal officers, private collectors, and recyclers grounded the design in operational reality, while structured questionnaires and waste composition surveys provided the quantitative baseline against which system performance is measured. The Agile SDLC model guided the iterative phases of requirements analysis, system design, implementation, and testing. Bench testing returned fill-level accuracy above 90%, data transmission success of 96%, and
an average sensor-to-dashboard latency of 9 seconds. A Flutter-based mobile application providing map-based bin status for field collectors is currently in development as a companion tool. The system is designed for replication: all hardware components are available in Ugandan electronics markets, and the full source code is documented for public release. With further development and municipal partnership, the SmartBin System offers a practical, evidence-based pathway from reactive to data-driven waste collection in secondary Ugandan town.
The influence of gishu culture on the sexual and reproductive health of teenage girls in Mutoto, Mbale City
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-06-17) Joseph Wamunyokoli
This study examined the influence of Gishu culture on the sexual and reproductive health of teenage girls in Mutoto, Mbale. The study was guided by the concern that certain cultural beliefs and practices within the Gishu community continue to affect the well-being of adolescent girls, especially in relation to teenage pregnancy, early sexual involvement, sexually transmitted infections, and access to reproductive health information and services. The objectives of the study were to examine the cultural practices that influence the sexual and reproductive health of teenage girls, assess the effects of these practices on their well-being, identify challenges faced by teenage girls in accessing reproductive health services, and suggest possible interventions for improving their sexual and reproductive health. The study employed a descriptive research design using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Questionnaires, and interviews were used to gather data with teenage girls, parents, community leaders, health workers and local authorities in Mutoto. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the collected data. The findings showed that despite the prevalence of good health and hygiene messages, cultural practices like traditional gender roles, taboos and silence on sexual education, peer influence during cultural events, and negative attitudes towards contraceptive use have significant impact on the sexual and reproductive health of adolescent girls. The study also confirmed that many of the adolescent girls had poor reproductive health knowledge and there were barriers in accessing youth-friendly health services stemming from stigma, fear, and cultural barriers. These factors led to the likelihood of risk of teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and school dropout among teenage girls. The study, which was aimed at examining the role of the Gishu cultural practices on the sexual and reproductive health of adolescent girls in Mutoto, found both direct and indirect effects. The study suggested that there is a need for sensitization of the community, the promotion of comprehensive sexual education, creation of youth-friendly health services and parental, school, social workers, and community leaders' engagement in guiding adolescents to adopt responsible behaviour in sexual life.
Key words: Gishu culture, sexual and reproductive health, teenage girls, cultural practices, adolescent health, Mutoto, Mbale City.
Employee engagement and organizational productivity: a case study of Wakiso District Local Government
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-06-15) Maria Awidi Ayoo
The purpose of the study was to explore the impact of employee engagement on organizational productivity in Wakiso District Local Government (WDLG). In particular, it investigated the impact of leadership empowerment on organizational productivity in WDLG, assessed the impact of communication channels on organizational productivity in WDLG and found out the impact of career development on employee engagement on organizational productivity in
WDLG. The study was carried out utilizing a cross-sectional survey research design and a quantitative research methodology. Simple random sampling technique was applied during the data collection phase. Data was collect from 80 participants made up of top management, middle management, and lower management employees of Wakiso District Local Government using a questionnaire. It was discovered from the findings that communication channels, empowerment of leaders, and career development were major determinants of organizational productivity within the local government organization in Wakiso District. Communication is critical in improving employee understanding, cooperation, trust, and crisis management; leadership empowerment creates an environment of accountability, innovation, adaptability, and loyalty; whereas career development ensures employee competency, job satisfaction, loyalty, and organizational success. Finally, the study recommended that Wakiso District Local Government should strengthen effective and transparent communication systems, promote leadership empowerment through training and participatory decision-making, and enhance career development opportunities through continuous training, mentorship, and professional growth programs to improve organizational productivity.
Examining the efficacy of alternative dispute resolution in medical negligence dispute settlement in Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-28) Catherine Karungi Kanyamunyu
This study examines the efficacy and significance of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in settling medical Negligence disputes in Uganda, while focusing on mediation and arbitration analyzing how these mechanisms may be effectively utilized to adjudicate such disputes for timely access to justice and reduce case backlog without the aggrieved parties having to endure the long and hectic process of the traditional litigation process. Furthermore, this research explores the legal and institutional framework governing Alternative Dispute Resolution at the international, regional, and domestic levels. The merits of Alternative Dispute Resolution are highlighted to include timely resolution of
disputes, manageable costs for the parties, and preservation of confidentiality while handling these disputes. Furthermore, the study suggests relevant approaches that may be used to get the best out of Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. In addition, several recommendations are set out in this research, to make Alternative dispute resolution a more reliable and effective method in resolving medical negligence disputes. For example, training of personnel such as the mediators, arbitrators, and judicial officers in medical negligence disputes, promoting awareness to the general public and encouraging them to take up mediation and arbitration as ways of resolving medical disputes.
The study makes a profound stand that through the adoption of ADR mechanisms in resolving medical negligence disputes, the rigidity and complexities of litigation, may be mitigated and achieve timely access to justice for the parties.
The impact of debt financing on the financial performance of small and medium manufacturing enterprises in Mukono District
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-06-10) Anthony Owade Odongo
The study looked at the effect of debt financing on financial performance of Small and Medium Manufacturing Enterprises (SMMEs) in Mukono District, Uganda. In particular, the impact of bank loans, microfinance credit and trade credit on the most important financial performance measures such as profitability, liquidity and operational efficiency was examined. Cross sectional descriptive research design was employed, which was a combination of both quantitative and qualitative methods. A sample of 158 SMMEs were identified with 57 of them actively involved in the study. Structured questionnaires and
interviews were used to collect primary data and secondary data was collected from financial reports and literature search. The data were analyzed descriptively with SPSS and regression analysis. The results indicated that SMMEs in Mukono District have relatively high access to all types of credit with Trade credit the most accessible, Bank loans and the Microfinance credit. But, among all sources of financing, moderate cost burdens were linked with varying levels of restrictive conditions. The regression results showed that debt financing was significantly affecting financial performance (R² = 0.551). Of the financing
sources, trade credit had the largest positive effect on financial performance (β = 0.362), bank loans (β = 0.298) and microfinance credit (β = 0.184). It is concluded that informal financing in terms of trade credit is the most dominant and important source of finance for manufacturing SMMEs while formal financing institutions have an important role in supporting SMME growth. It boosts liquidity, aids in working capital management and maintains day-to-day operations. The study suggests financial institutions to have more flexible lending practices, lessen the amount of collaterals and to create hybrid type financing, which combines flexibility in informal credit systems.
A web based teachers’ payroll management system for secondary schools in Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-27) Denis Aniru; Ricky Amos Mamolo; Racheal Robins Nabagala; Benedict Angwezu
Payroll management is a critical administrative function in educational institutions, directly affecting financial accountability and staff satisfaction. In many private secondary schools in Uganda, payroll operations are still managed manually or through spreadsheet-based systems, which are prone to computational errors, delayed salary processing, weak audit controls, and inadequate compliance tracking. This project presents the design and development of EduPay, a web-based Teachers’ Payroll Management System developed to automate salary processing and improve payroll accuracy, security, and transparency. The system is implemented as a monolithic web application using Node.js and Express.js for backend processing, PostgreSQL for relational database management, and HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for the frontend interface. It is deployed on the DigitalOcean App Platform with secure environment configuration. EduPay implements role-based access control (RBAC) supporting system administrators, human resource personnel, accountants, and teachers. The system incorporates secure authentication using JSON Web Tokens (JWT) and supports multi-factor authentication (MFA) to enhance access security. Core features include automated salary computation, configurable salary structures, statutory deduction calculations (PAYE and NSSF), structured payroll approval workflow, salary
advance and leave management, Excel and PDF report generation, individual payslip generation, notification handling, and comprehensive audit logging. Payroll processing is executed within PostgreSQL transactions to ensure atomicity, consistency, and data integrity. The system enforces payroll lifecycle states (processed, approved, paid) and maintains immutable payroll records for traceability. Additional security mechanisms include bcrypt password hashing, parameterized SQL queries to prevent injection attacks, HTTPS enforcement, and role-based middleware protection. System evaluation using simulated payroll data demonstrated high computational accuracy, reliable workflow management, improved data security and enhanced reporting capabilities. Although features such as attendance integration and advanced tax band computation remain areas for future enhancement, the developed system successfully achieves its objective of automating payroll management while improving efficiency, accountability, and institutional transparency in Bishop Senior secondary Mukono.
Justice360: A digital crime reporting and recording management system
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-06-01) Joseph Kisira Muloki; Patrick Lisi Loguya; Amos Ade; Perez Nkunda
This study examines the challenges associated with the manual crime reporting and record-keeping system used at the Uganda Christian University (UCU) Police Station. The existing system relies heavily on paper records and the Station Diary (SD) book, which leads to problems such as slow information retrieval, risk of data loss, lack of standardized reporting, and difficulties in tracking crime cases. These limitations affect the efficiency of law enforcement operations and reduce accountability. To address these challenges, the study proposes the development of Justice360, a Digital Crime Reporting and Record Management System (CRRS). The study adopted a case study approach where data was collected through interviews, questionnaires, and observations to understand the weaknesses of the current system and identify user requirements. The system was developed using the Agile software development methodology and implemented using modern web technologies to provide a secure and centralized platform for crime reporting and record management. The proposed system improves data security, enhances efficiency in accessing records, and supports faster and more reliable crime reporting within the university community.
Educonnect: Ai-enabled peer-to-peer learning framework for university students
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-06-01) Ronald Tusiime; Hellen Noeline Nambooze; Lynn Amoit
EduConnect is a web-based, AI-enabled peer learning platform designed to revolutionize how university students discover study partners, access high quality academic resources, and sustain progress. The project addresses three critical local challenges: fragmented peer-learning coordination, limited personalisation in study support and weak integration between collaboration tools and progress tracking. The implemented client-server architecture utilises a React frontend, Node.js/Express API and SQLite database persistence (sql.js) with optional Python services for advanced NLP intent classification and sequence-to-sequence quiz generation. EduConnect integrates intelligent peer recommendations, multi-discipline resource browsing, adaptive quiz workflows, study groups with direct and group messaging and a chatbot (EduBot) for intent based assistance. A key technical contribution is a trained multinomial logistic regression model for predicting next study topics based on user engagement statistics, trained in Python and exported to a JSON weight matrix for native JavaScript inference. Pilot survey evidence from 50 students indicates strong adoption potential and problem relevance. The average student difficulty in finding study partners was rated at 3.80/5, and overall interest in the platform was 4.36/5, with 78% of respondents willing to join beta testing. Combined with a fully functional, deployed MVP, these findings support the technical viability and educational significance of the EduConnect framework. Keywords: Peer learning, educational technology, recommendation systems, logistic regression, NLP intent classification, student collaboration.