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The Role of RENU and NITA-U in Providing Infrastructure and Online Access in Ugandan Higher Education
(The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, 2025) Ojulong, Andrew; Kaddu, Sarah; Magara, Elisam
This study investigates the role of national ICT agencies in facilitating access to digital academic content in Ugandan higher education. Specifically, it examines the impact of the Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) and the National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U) on two contrasting institutions, Makerere University (public) and Kampala International University (private). Using a qualitative case study design, data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 30 participants, including ICT administrators, academic staff, and students. Observation of ICT infrastructure and Document review of institutional ICT policies and national strategic plans complemented the interviews. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the findings. Significant disparities in ICT access were found between the two institutions. Public Universities benefited from strong partnerships with national ICT agencies and robust infrastructure, while private Universities faced barriers including limited connectivity, inadequate devices, and minimal engagement with national programs. The study also revealed systemic gaps in national ICT policies, particularly the exclusion of private institutions from key infrastructure initiatives. Recommendations include expanding government funding to private universities, improving technical capacity, and developing inclusive ICT strategies that prioritize equity. The findings have critical implications for doctoral education, where digital access directly influences research quality, supervision, and academic progression. This study contributes original insights into how national ICT policies affect institutional access to online academic content in developing countries. It offers evidence-based recommendations to support digital equity and enhance doctoral education outcomes in Uganda and similar contexts
Examining Services for Enhancing Access to Online Academic Content in Ugandan Universities: A Case of Makerere University (Mak) and Kampala International University (KIU)
(East African Journal of Information Technology, 2026) Ojulong, Andrew; Magara, Elisam; Kaddu, Sarah
Access to online academic content is critical for teaching, learning, and research in contemporary higher education. This study investigates the services provided to facilitate this access in Ugandan universities, using qualitative case studies of Makerere University and Kampala International University. Guided by an interpretivist paradigm, data were collected through interviews with librarians, ICT staff, lecturers, students, and national service providers (RENU, NITA-U), alongside observations and document review (N=30). Thematic analysis revealed that while universities provide a suite of globally recognised services, including institutional repositories, subscription databases, authentication systems, and information literacy training, their effectiveness is significantly hampered by systemic fragmentation and underutilisation. Key challenges include a disconnect between national infrastructure provision and institutional service integration, inconsistent user training, and low awareness among academic communities. The study concludes that Ugandan universities have successfully established the foundational technological layer for digital access. However, to maximise impact, a strategic shift is required. This entails institutionalising continuous digital literacy training, proactively embedding online content services into core academic workflows, and enhancing multi- stakeholder collaboration to bridge the gap between service provision and meaningful adoption. Recommendations are offered for university management, service departments, and national bodies to foster a more cohesive and inclusive digital academic ecosystem for enhancing access to online content.
Internal Corporate Governance Mechanisms and Financial Performance of Listed Financial Institutions at the Uganda Securities Exchange
(Hong kong Journal of Social Sciences, 2025) Etengu, Oguti Robert; Oder, Joshua; Opio, Peter Paul; Odong, Bonny; Ebwonyu, Rockfell
This study examined the effect of internal corporate governance mechanisms on the financial performance of listed financial institutions on the Uganda Securities Exchange. We collected secondary data from a census of all the financial institutions from 2014 to 2023. In addition, primary data on governance and financial performance was obtained through interviews to supplement the secondary data. We employed both accounting-based (ROE) and market-based (Tobin’s Q) proxies to measure firm-financial performance. Based on the results, the agency theory fails to illustrate that the board of directors (BoDs) and the audit committee (AC) are effective in improving financial performance. However, ownership structure (OS) has a notably positive and significant effect on financial performance, highlighting the importance of different forms of ownership in a firm. Our study adds to the literature by demonstrating that the application of agency theory doesn’t have a significant effect on firm-financial performance in the Ugandan context. Moreover, it contributes to the present body of knowledge on ICGMs and firm-financial performance literature, particularly in the context of an emerging economy.
Bridging Participation Gaps: A Community- Led Inception for Integrating Comprehensive Adolescent-Friendly Family Planning and Post-Abortion Care (CAFFP–PAC) into Primary Healthcare Facilities in Northern Uganda
(Open Access Journal of Contraception, 2025) Kigongo, Eustes; Ekungu, Emmanuel; Edmonton, Acheka; Auma, Anna Grace; Ongom, Morris Chris; Udho, Samson; Anyolitho, Maxson Kenneth; Kabunga, Amir; Murara, Odette; Akello, Judith Abal; Omech, Bernard
Background: Conventional top-down health interventions often exclude adolescents and community stakeholders from service design and implementation, resulting in low uptake and a mismatch with young people’s needs. The CAFFP–PAC initiative in Northern Uganda sought to explore how a community-led, adolescent-centered inception process could support integration of adolescent-friendly family planning and post-abortion care into primary healthcare services. Methods: A participatory qualitative design was employed during an inception meeting in Lira City on April 1, 2025, guided by principles of community-based participatory research and citizen science. A total of 110 purposively selected stakeholders including adolescents, youth mentors, parents, educators, health professionals, and cultural and religious leaders engaged in dialogue circles, breakout sessions, simulations, and visual storytelling to co-develop integration strategies. Data were collected through audio recordings, field notes, and participatory tools, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework. Results: Six themes emerged: (1) meaningful participation of adolescents and stakeholders; (2) adolescent-friendly and confidential service environments; (3) health system readiness and provider attitudes; (4) addressing socio-cultural and gender norms; (5) integration strategies for CAFFP–PAC in primary care; and (6) sustained engagement and feedback mechanisms. Adolescents emphasized safe, private, and respectful care environments, while stakeholders stressed community ownership, trust-building, and reliance on local structures. Youth mentors, cultural leaders, and school clubs were identified as key enablers for service uptake. Conclusion: A community-led inception process centered on adolescents and local voices is feasible and essential for successful CAFFP–PAC integration in Northern Uganda. Findings highlight the need to shift from provider-centered models to inclusive, participatory approaches that leverage community assets, foster adolescent agency, and ensure sustained engagement. Such approaches are vital for enhancing service accessibility, responsiveness, and sustainability in resource-constrained settings.
Optimizing Agricultural Supply Chain Management Practices to Address Food Security: A Case Study of Agro-Based Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Lira City, Northern Uganda
(Open Access Library Journal, 2025) Apio, Janet Oyee; Opio, Peter Paul
Background: This study sought to optimize agricultural supply chain management practices to address food insecurity among agro-based SMEs in Lira City. Using a concurrent triangulation research approach, the study relied on quantitative data to provide a comprehensive understanding of how supply chain management practices impact food security. The main focus was on the role of food marketing, transportation, processing and inputs management in predicting food security. Methods: A cross-sectional research design was employed, whereupon self-administered questionnaires were deployed for data collection. The study population comprised 377 non-section heads drawn from agrobased SMEs. A proportionate sampling technique was applied to select nonsection heads. Data was analyzed using SPSS and descriptive statistics and linear regression was employed to assess the effects of various supply chain practices on food security. Results: The study found significant correlations between agricultural supply chain management practices and food security. Food marketing (r =0.616, p < 0.05) had the strongest association with food security, followed by food transportation (r = 0.480, p < 0.05). Similarly, the linear regression analysis revealed that; food marketing (Coef. = 0.447, p < 0.001) and food transportation (Coef. = 0.211, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of food security, explaining 41.6% ≈ 42% of the variation in food security. The study findings suggest that enhancing food marketing and transportation practices could significantly decelerate and consequently reverse food insecurity. Conclusion: Optimizing agricultural supply chain management practices, particularly food marketing and food transportation is crucial in addressing food insecurity amongst agro-based SMEs in Lira City. The study highlights the significant role of these practices and suggests that while targeted interventions in marketing and transportation are essential, a comprehensive approach that includes broader socio-economic and environmental strategies is necessary for a more effective impact on food security.