Master of Science in Monitoring and Evaluation (Dissertations)

Effects of school clubs on psychosocial well-being of Secondary school going learners

2026-05-07T12:45:36Z

Effects of school clubs on psychosocial well-being of Secondary school going learners Atwongyeire, Esau Whereas many school clubs have been established among schools in Uganda‟s refugee settlements over the years. There has been limited evidence on the effect of school clubs on Psychosocial well-being of refugee adolescents, particularly those in secondary school going age bracket in Uganda. UNHCR (2022) noted increasing trend of suicide cases the same age bracket. Existing studies are not specific to Uganda refugee setting, to prove whether there are significant differences in psychosocial well-being outcomes of refugee adolescents participating in school clubs and those that do not participate. Other studies mostly present qualitative evidence. Qualitative and Quantitative data was collected from randomly sampled refugee secondary school leaners in Bidibidi, Palorinya, Kyaka II and Rwamwanja Refugee settlements. Categorical Regression (CATREG) analysis using Optimal Scaling was used to explore the extent to which Psychosocial well-being is affected by school clubs. Specific objectives of the study were to: Find out degree to which school club parameters influence stress levels; self-esteem levels; Psychosocial resilience and combined psychosocial wellbeing parameters of secondary school students in refugee communities in Uganda. Study investigates whether belonging to school clubs (Average number of members involved in a club, Number of clubs a student is involved in, type of club which student belongs, length of time spent participating in school clubs significantly affect psychosocial wellbeing (stress levels, self-esteem and Psychosocial resilience) of refuge secondary school level students in Uganda. Increasing participation in school club activities negatively affected levels of stress among refugee students. Overall, belonging to school club significantly determined level of stress among refugee students in ordinary secondary levels of education in Uganda. The type of club student belonged potentially had significant association with stress level (β = -1.129, p = 0.006). Similarly, the more the time spent participating in school club activities” significantly reduces stress (β = -0.108, p = 0.035). Number of members per club was negatively related to Self-Esteem of students (p = 0.047). Students who were involved in more than one club had substantially higher levels of self-esteem (p = 0.018). The number of clubs participated in, had significant positive association with their psychosocial resilience (p = 0.018). The higher number of members per club had a negative impact on Psychosocial Resilience levels (beta =-0.553; p = 0.035). There is need to Prioritize school clubs with appropriate student-to-club ratios and duration is crucial for enhancing psychosocial resilience and self-esteem among refugee students in secondary schools. Future research should explore the impact of active engagement in school clubs and include additional variables to improve predictive outcomes in similar contexts Bwogi Godfrey Vianney; Bwogi Godfrey Vianney

Effect of taxation on the performance of selected small and medium-scale enterprises

2026-05-07T12:45:31Z

Effect of taxation on the performance of selected small and medium-scale enterprises Kyambadde, Edward This study examined the effect of Taxation on the Performance of Selected Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Nakawa Division, Kampala District, with the aim of generating evidence to inform tax policy design and compliance strategies. Specifically, the study was guided by four objectives: (1) to assess the level of SME taxpayers’ knowledge of taxation; (2) to evaluate the effect of tax rates on SME performance; (3) to determine the influence of tax incentives on SME growth; and (4) to assess the relationship between tax filing requirements and SME performance. A cross-sectional design was employed, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches to enable triangulation of findings. The study sampled 278 SMEs using a combination of simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews, and analyzed using SPSS Version 27, applying both descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. Findings indicated that while SMEs demonstrated moderate awareness of taxation, significant knowledge gaps persisted, particularly regarding tax obligations and incentive access. A statistically significant positive relationship was found between tax incentives and SME performance (r = 0.375, p < 0.001), and tax rates also showed a notable influence. Overall, the study revealed a moderate to strong correlation between key elements of taxation and the performance of SMEs, suggesting that effective tax policies and improved taxpayer education can positively impact SME growth and sustainability. The study recommends that the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, scale up tax education campaigns targeting SMEs and implement a tiered tax incentive structure based on enterprise growth stages. These interventions are essential to enhance compliance, reduce business constraints, and promote long-term economic development within Uganda’s SME sector. Dr. Murongo Marius Flarian

Effect of taxation on the performance of selected small and medium-scale enterprises; case study of Nakawa division.

2026-05-07T12:45:39Z

Effect of taxation on the performance of selected small and medium-scale enterprises; case study of Nakawa division. Kyambadde, Edward This study examined the effect of Taxation on the Performance of Selected Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Nakawa Division, Kampala District, with the aim of generating evidence to inform tax policy design and compliance strategies. Specifically, the study was guided by four objectives: (1) to assess the level of SME taxpayers’ knowledge of taxation; (2) to evaluate the effect of tax rates on SME performance; (3) to determine the influence of tax incentives on SME growth; and (4) to assess the relationship between tax filing requirements and SME performance. A cross-sectional design was employed, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches to enable triangulation of findings. The study sampled 278 SMEs using a combination of simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews, and analyzed using SPSS Version 27, applying both descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. Findings indicated that while SMEs demonstrated moderate awareness of taxation, significant knowledge gaps persisted, particularly regarding tax obligations and incentive access. A statistically significant positive relationship was found between tax incentives and SME performance (r = 0.375, p < 0.001), and tax rates also showed a notable influence. Overall, the study revealed a moderate to strong correlation between key elements of taxation and the performance of SMEs, suggesting that effective tax policies and improved taxpayer education can positively impact SME growth and sustainability. The study recommends that the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, scale up tax education campaigns targeting SMEs and implement a tiered tax incentive structure based on enterprise growth stages. These interventions are essential to enhance compliance, reduce business constraints, and promote long-term economic development within Uganda’s SME sector. Murongo Marius Flarian

Influence of stakeholder engagement on gender-based violence a mong refugee populations in Uganda

2026-05-07T12:45:34Z

Influence of stakeholder engagement on gender-based violence a mong refugee populations in Uganda Asianzu, Zamzam Yusuf The Government of Uganda together with other development partners put in place legal frameworks, policies and programmes aimed at averting Gender Based Violence (GBV) not only in the refugee populations but in the entire country. Nonetheless, the prevalence of GBV is still high and increasing. There are calls for increased stakeholders‟ engagement to act and be involved in the fight against GBV in the country. Without stakeholders‟ active involvement in awareness creation, prevention and response against GBV, cases of GBV are likely to continue the rise. However, effectiveness of stakeholders‟ engagement and involvement has not been documented, at least in the light of Rhino refugee settlement. Therefore, this study examined the effect of stakeholder engagement on gender-based violence among the refugee populations at the Rhino Camp refugee settlement. Specifically, the study examined the Gender Based Violence types among the refugee populations at the Rhino Camp refugee settlement, the effect of relationship engagement on genderbased violence among the refugee populations and lastly, the effect of personal engagement and GBV among the refugee populations at Rhino Camp refugee settlement.The study employed a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional survey, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative dimensions. It involved 227 respondents who participated in interviews. Data collection employed structured self-administered questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focused group discussion guides. Data analysis was done using SPSS software and Microsoft Excel for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative insights. The study revealed that physical violence is the most common type of gender-based violence (GBV) reported by 33% of participants, sexual violence was identified by 26%, followed by economic violence, harmful traditional violence, and psychological violence cases by 17%, 16%, and 8% respectively. Child marriages are also common, driven by socio-economic factors. Only 30% of participants believe women are generally aware and empowered to seek justice for victims. Cultural and social norms, such as female genital mutilation, are influential in perpetuating GBV. It was found that involving men in campaigns against GBV significantly reduces its occurrence; men's active participation in awareness initiatives was crucial given their role as primary perpetrators. Youth engagement in community initiatives like door-todoor campaigns and popular theatre also contributes to a decrease in GBV. Statistical analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between stakeholder engagement, personal engagement, and GBV reduction, with these factors explaining 52.6% of the variance in GBV reduction at the camp.Overall, the study underscored the importance of stakeholder and personal engagement in reducing GBV, Positive correlations among variables demonstrated that increased stakeholder and personal involvement leads to reduction of GBV at the refugee camp, with Stakeholder Engagement and Personal Engagement explaining 52.6% of the reduction. Therefore, strengthening engagement strategies, expanding outreach to men, sensitizing stakeholders, and partnering with local organizations are recommended to support GBV survivors and sustain progress. Future research should explore additional factors influencing GBV reduction in refugee settings for more effective interventions. Dr.Florence Nanssimbwa; Dr.Florence Nanssimbwa