ABSTRACT. Performance Management and Quality Instruction in Private Universities in Uganda

Okurut John Robert Kyambogo University, Uganda Department of Education Planning and Management Email address: okurutjr@gmail.com Mobile Number: 0703-254-445

ABSTRACT The study investigated the relationship between performance management and quality instruction mediated by job satisfaction of the academic staff in four of the Uganda’s chartered faith-based private universities. The study was motivated by the public concerns about quality instruction in private universities in Uganda, which is wanting. The objectives of the study were to establish the relationship between performance management and quality instruction in private universities; establish the relationship between job satisfaction and quality instruction in private universities, and establish the relationship between performance management and quality instruction mediated by job satisfaction of the academic staff in private universities in Uganda. Arising from the foregoing study objectives, the study tested three null hypotheses as follows: There is no statistically significant relationship between performance management and quality instruction; there is no statistically significant relationship between job satisfaction of the academic staff and quality instruction; there is no statistically significant effect of job satisfaction on the relationship between performance management and quality instruction in private universities in Uganda. Guided by the Goal-setting Theory, Herzbarg's Two-factor Theory, and nested in the pragmatist philosophy, the study adopted a mixed-methods research approach that utilized convergent parallel mixed-methods research design to gather data from 428 participants. Using a survey questionnaire, interview guide, Focus Group Discussion guide, and observation guide, data was analyzed via descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, document analysis, and thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed that there is a statistically significant relationship between performance management and quality instruction in private universities in Uganda. Contrary, the study established that there is no statistically significant relationship between job satisfaction of the academics and quality instruction, and that job satisfaction did not have a mediating effect on the relationship between performance management and quality instruction in private universities in Uganda. Based on the conclusions, the study recommends private universities should improve the job satisfaction of the academic staff by paying them well, use a variety of non-financial rewards to motivate academic staff, ensure that Heads of Department supervise the academic staff, and that private universities should employ more permanent academics.

ABSTRACT. The study examines the mediator role of knowledge development [KnDev] on the relationship between the dimensions of high-performance work systems [HPWS] and employee loyalty [EmpLoy]. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), through bootstrapping by requesting 5000 resamples with Bias-Corrected Confidence Interval (CI) at 95%, the paper analyzes data collected from a sample of 179 employees in randomly selected Audit Firms in Uganda. The results confirm the significant effect of Ability Enhancing HR Practices [AEHRP] and Motivation Enhancing HR Practices [MEHRP]dimensions in building EmpLoy within Audit Firms’ context. The study did not find a significant Opportunity Enhancing HR Practices [OEHRP] – EmpLoy association. The study further affirms OEHRP, AEHRP and MEHRP dimensions as precursors to KnDev within Audit Firms’ context. The study finds KnDev to significantly predict EmpLoy. Results also show KnDev as a significant mediator on AEHRP-EmpLoy and MEHRP-EmpLoy relationships. KnDev does not significantly mediate the OEHRP-EmpLoy relationship. The study provides insightful managerial undertones for managers who are relying on relationship HR strategies for not only survival but flourishing.The paper makes a modest contribution by proposing a model integrating the three dimensions of HPWS and KnDev with EmpLoy as a major outcome. The study uses Social Exchange Theory to explain EmpLoy in service firm settings.

ABSTRACT. This study assesses the adequacy of Uganda's Computer Misuse Act Cap 96 in regulating the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in the context of combating cyber crime. As AI technologies become increasingly integrated into cybersecurity strategies, they introduce complex ethical and legal challenges, including algorithmic bias, transparency, accountability, and autonomous decision-making. While the Computer Misuse Act provides a foundational legal framework for addressing traditional cyber threats, criminalising unauthorised access, data misuse, and other cyber-related offences, it lacks specific provisions to govern the ethical deployment of AI systems. The study employs a doctrinal legal methodology supported by qualitative content analysis to critically examine the scope and limitations of the Act in this evolving technological landscape. The research contributes to a growing body of knowledge on legal reform and responsible AI use in Uganda by exploring the intersections between AI, cyber crime, and ethical governance. The findings provide a basis for further legal analysis, policy development, and advocacy aimed at strengthening Uganda's regulatory approach to emerging technologies.

ABSTRACT. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996 makes provision for the Bill of Rights, which is the cornerstone of democracy in South Africa. It enshrines the rights of all people in the country and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality, and freedom (Republic of South Africa [RSA] 1996:4). As a right, Constitution makes provision for every child to have access to fair education that will enable them to thrive in socio-economic aspects when they are adults with the intend of achieving social justice. In response to the technological advancement, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), implemented the GDE Online Applications for Gr.1 and Gr.8. This article attempts to explore whether if not the GDE Online Applications for Gr.1 and Gr.8, with specific emphasis on Gr.8, does contribute towards the promotion of social justice. The research approach was qualitative. A single case study design, with two units of observation, was adopted. For the purpose of this study, ten research participants were selected, and the participants were experienced educators, senior education administrators, and ICT professionals. The research participants were selected based on their knowledge and, most importantly, their experience through purposive sampling. The outcomes of this article suggest that through the use of the GDE Online Application Systems, does not contribute towards social justice in education

ABSTRACT. In an era characterized by rapid technological advancements, this article investigates the transformative role of innovation and technology adoption within the entrepreneurial landscapes of BRICS nations. The study examines the current state of innovation in these nations and its profound influence on business models and management practices. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between innovation, technology adoption, and entrepreneurship, offering valuable insights for policymakers, businesses, and researchers alike.

Research Design and Methods: This study employed a systematic literature review to explore the impact of innovation and technology adoption on the entrepreneurial landscapes within BRICS nations. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed articles, books, conference papers, and industry reports was conducted. The literature search focused on publications from the last five years to ensure relevance and timeliness. The data was analysed through thematic coding using NVivo software, allowing for the identification of key themes and patterns related to innovation, government policies, and technology integration.

Findings: Studies reveal that BRICS nations have achieved significant strides in innovation and technology integration, which have been instrumental in fostering their entrepreneurial landscapes. The assimilation of novel technologies has brought about a paradigm shift in business models, facilitating agility, efficiency, and competitiveness for corporations. Additionally, management techniques have also undergone a transformation, prioritising digital transformation, data-driven decision-making, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

Implications and Recommendations: Based on the findings, the article proposes that policymakers in BRICS nations should continue to prioritise initiatives that promote innovation and technology adoption to sustain economic growth and that businesses should invest in continuous learning and skill development to adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape. Collaboration between governments, academia, and industry is essential to create an ecosystem conducive to innovation and technology adoption.

Contribution and Value Added: This article contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive analysis of the role of innovation and technology in the entrepreneurial landscape of BRICS nations and offering insights into the transformation of business models and management practices driven by technology adoption. The study also aims to propose practical implications and recommendations for policymakers, businesses, and stakeholders to leverage the benefits of innovation and technology.

ABSTRACT. The increasing utilisation of blended learning approaches in higher education has generated significant interest in their impact on student outcomes. There is renewed interest in exploring the effectiveness of blended learning tools within African language education. This systematic review synthesises current evidence regarding the effects of blended learning environments on student engagement and academic achievement in the teaching of African languages. A comprehensive search of major electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant peer-reviewed studies, employing keywords related to blended learning and student engagement. Included studies examined the impact of blended learning on various engagement dimensions: cognitive, emotional, and behavioural. A narrative synthesis approach was employed to analyse the findings, systematically comparing and contrasting study characteristics, intervention details, and outcomes. The review indicates that blended learning environments generally enhance student engagement in African language courses compared to traditional face-to-face instruction. Students in blended courses demonstrate higher levels of cognitive, emotional, and behavioural engagement. However, the magnitude of these effects varies across studies, potentially influenced by factors such as instructional design, content relevance, technology integration, adaptation, and student characteristics. Challenges identified include disparities in access to technology, resistance to change among educators, and the need for effective training in blended learning methodologies. To address these challenges, this review recommends investing in professional development for educators to ensure effective implementation of blended learning tools and fostering partnerships with technology providers to enhance access for all students. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the evidence on the benefits of blended learning for fostering student engagement in African language education. It offers valuable insights for the effective implementation of blended learning strategies by educators and stakeholders in higher education, highlighting the importance of tailored approaches to maximise engagement and improve academic outcomes in the context of African languages.

ABSTRACT. Education is central to global development. Many countries have identified quality education to be at the center of Sustainable Development. It is therefore not surprising that in 2015, the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development identified quality education as a key driver of global sustainability and assigned SDG 4 to deal with quality education matters. With the launch of the SDGs set for 2030, critical questions are being asked by many as to what role SDGs can play in delivering quality education. This study emerges from that background. This study is aimed at examining the role of the SDGs in fostering quality education that addresses the gap between higher education and industry needs. This study made use of an in-depth literature review of 20 journal articles published between 2015 and 2025 in Web of Science, based on their topic relevance and ability to answer the research question. The study found that SDG 4 and its targets provide a framework for universities to rethink curriculum design and assessment in a manner that fosters quality education. Quality education curriculum can be achieved through a raft of measures, amongst others the explicit alignment of SDGs in the curriculum and course content development. Amongst other things, course content developers have to be inclusive in curriculum development, including working closely with industry in course development and ensuring that the developed programs meet industry needs and international standards. In the same breath, assessment must be designed to ensure that it embodies critical thinking and other aspects that foster practicality to provide real solutions to real problems facing society. Post the COVID-19 pandemic, staff and student work-life balance form the core of quality curriculum consideration.

ABSTRACT. The advancement in Information and Communication Technology in the current era and the expansion of enrolment has triggered Higher Learning Institutions in the emerging economies including Tanzania to adopt ICT-based Students’ Information Management Systems (SIMS) for storage and processing students’ information for self-use and institutional decision making. This shift has attracted scholars to embark on studies in this emerging subfield to assess various issues such as users’ acceptance of the shift, effectiveness of the new technology and ways through which effectiveness in realizing the goals of having students’ information management system (SIMS) can be enhanced. The present study applied the Integrated Management Competency Model to study the influence of users’ characteristics on SIMS effectiveness at Tengeru Institute of Community Development (TICD). A mixed methods approach using a structured questionnaire and in-depth interview method used to collect data from a sample of 266 study participants. The results show a significant influence of user characteristics on SIMS effectiveness (in terms of accuracy, timeliness and completeness of information) and that users are the central determinants of the effectiveness of SIMS at TICD. The findings imply the need for a continuous updating of users’ skills through training to improve their competence in using the SIMS.

ABSTRACT. Effective Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) systems are critical for ensuring accountability and the successful implementation of development initiatives in South African municipalities. This paper examines the role of M&E in bridging the gap between Integrated Development Plans IDPs), Strategic planning, and Local Economic Development programs. While IDP provides a long-term framework, strategic planning aligns resources with priorities, and LED drives economic growth in local communities. However, M&E is often challenged, and inefficiencies arise due to poor implementation, often not informed by the M&E processes. Cognitive dissonance in leadership further exacerbates these challenges, as decision-makers may ignore M&E findings that contradict stated goals, leading to misallocation of resources and unmet community needs. Though there are various structured frameworks, the paper does not in-depth interrogate those frameworks. The main aim is to highlight the root cause of the inefficiencies in M&E, which result in tools that do not yield the desired results or meet community needs. M&E is important in identifying areas of improvement and gaps for further policy insights. Methodologically, this paper adopts a desktop review of SA policy documents, audit findings, and case study literature between 2019 and 2024.

ABSTRACT. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the obstacles in Tanzania's Morogoro Region's public procurement e-tendering procedures. The study examined three specific procurement entities using a descriptive research design. The sample consisted of 101 responders. Questionnaires and in-person interviews were the two primary techniques used to collect data. The investigation included both qualitative and quantitative data. The data were then shown in mean and standard deviation tables. According to the study's findings, e-tendering procedures which include e-advertising, e-tender evaluation, e-award of tender, and e-opening of tender improve cost-saving, cash flow, competitiveness, accessibility, and the procurement process's ability to manage time. These procedures also reduce holding and ordering costs. The results of this study cannot be applied to other areas because it was limited to Morogoro and only two districts were studied. Furthermore, it is advised that the government and pertinent agencies implement a cooperative policy in order to build equivalent mechanisms for tender selection and issuance. According to Government Notice (GN) number 446 of 2013 (Public Procurement Regulations), this study demonstrates how ICT is used in contract awards, tender invitation publications, application submission, and the publication of selection and award criteria.

ABSTRACT. Effective leadership and performance management practices are crucial for organizations to succeed in the competitive business environment. Unfortunately, many private sector organizations in Uganda continue to struggle with developing and implementing these practices, leading to poor performance and reduced competitiveness. This study will aim to develop effective leadership and performance management practices in Uganda's private sector. Specifically, it will examine the relationship between leadership styles and organizational performance, investigate the impact of performance management on employee motivation, identify implementation challenges, and develop a framework for effective practices. The overall goal will be to provide recommendations for policymakers, business leaders, and scholars on how to drive organizational success in Uganda's private sector, ultimately contributing to the country's economic growth and development. This study will investigate the current state of leadership and performance management practices in Uganda's private sector and identify best practices for developing effective leadership and performance management practices using a qualitative case study approach, employing semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis to collect data from 10 private sector organizations in Uganda. The findings will reveal that many private sector organizations in Uganda still face challenges in developing effective leadership and performance management practices, including a lack of clear vision and mission, inadequate training and development programs, and poor communication and feedback mechanisms. However, the study will identify several best practices for developing effective leadership and performance management practices, including establishing clear vision and mission, developing and implementing effective training and development programs, and establishing regular communication and feedback mechanisms. The study will highlight the importance of leadership style, organizational culture, and employee engagement in developing effective leadership and performance management practices. Furthermore the findings of the study will have significant implications for private sector organizations in Uganda, emphasizing the need for organizations to prioritize the development of effective leadership and performance management practices to improve performance and competitiveness. And finally, the study's recommendations will provide organizations with practical guidance on developing and implementing effective leadership and performance management practices, leading to improved organizational performance and competitiveness.

ABSTRACT. Gender-based violence has attracted global attention due to its effects on communities as it promotes gender inequality and discrimination, especially in matters related to land ownership. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the systems underlying access to land and ownership of assets have continually been a topic of debate owing to their systematic exclusion of women, something which gives room for GBV. Though different strategies, programs and policies for eradicating gender-based violence are in place, women still suffer discrimination when it comes to accessing and owning land. Numerous studies have examined the gender gap in firm performance indicators that characterise sales and employment growth but little is known about how gender-based violence affects women’s access to and ownership of land in the patrilineal societies of sub-Saharan Africa. This paper analyses the implications of gender-based violence on women’s access to land in the patrilineal societies of rural Tanzania. The findings presented in this paper are based on data which was gathered by using the desk review research method. The chapter establishes that women still face gross discrimination when it comes to issues pertaining to land rights despite the enabling policy environment that exists in the country. Various factors promote gender-based violence which in turn limits women’s access to land. These factors are grouped into physical, socio-cultural, and individual characteristics. The chapter offers new insights into the key factors for gender-based violence which limits women’s access to assets. Then it illuminates policy options for the best practices in enhancing women’s well-being and empowerment in Tanzania.

ABSTRACT. This study examines the factors influencing female labor force participation in Tanzania, focusing on socio-economic and demographic determinants among women aged 15 and above. Female workforce participation in Tanzania has implications not only for economic development but also for social equity and cultural norms. Despite significant global research, gaps persist in understanding these factors within the Tanzanian context, particularly for women transitioning from informal to formal employment sectors. Utilizing the 2020/2021 Integrated Labor Force Survey data, this study applies a Binomial Probit Generalized Linear Model to assess variables such as location, marital status, age, income, household size, health insurance, and educational attainment in shaping employment outcomes. Results indicate that rural women are more likely to engage in the workforce than their urban counterparts, while married and cohabiting women have lower employment probabilities compared to single women. Age, income, and household size positively correlate with employment likelihood, whereas health insurance and certain education levels demonstrate mixed or negative associations. These findings underscore the need for targeted policies promoting equitable access to formal employment, addressing socio-cultural barriers, and aligning educational programs with labor market demands. The study’s insights contribute to the broader discourse on enhancing gender equity in labor markets in Tanzania and sub-Saharan Africa at large.

ABSTRACT. The Tanzania government reiterates its commitment to the fight corruption and economic crime. Despite numerous recent political and legal reforms and initiatives, the continued re-emergence of this crime in societies prompted the government of Tanzania to introduce and establish the High Court Corruption and Economic Crimes Division in 2017 as further anti-corruption and economic crimes measure. This paper evaluates the effect of this political decision on the number of corruption and economic crimes registered in Tanzanian courts by relating the differences across five judicial zones. A desk-based review of documents on corruption and economic crimes registered in Tanzanian courts was conducted to collect data. The study was conducted from March to June 2023. The results show that the political decision has a significant positive effect on increasing the number of allegations, accused persons appearing in court and convictions recorded, but does not have a direct significant effect on combating corruption and economic crime in society. Therefore, the government must combine political decisions and a stable economy as well promoting ethical business practices instead of setting up a corruption and economic crimes division in the Supreme Court and making short-term political reshuffles that have little impact. The study highlight need for robust legal frameworks that promote the independence of the judiciary from political influence. The findings are useful to politicians on political decisions, policymakers and justice system to decide and implement good policy and strategies on address the issue of corruption and economic crime which has long term effect in the society and friendly to economy rather than one which has short term effect.

ABSTRACT. intimate Partner Violence (IPV) among men remains an under-explored and often misunderstood phenomenon, particularly in patriarchal societies such as Tanzania where masculinity norms and stigma inhibit disclosure and support-seeking. This systematic review synthesizes current empirical literature to understand the patterns, barriers, and reporting behaviour of male IPV victims in Tanzania. Guided by the PRISMA framework, a total of 31 studies were critically analysed, focusing on thematic areas such as masculinity ideologies, institutional response gaps, psychosocial health consequences, and help-seeking norms. The review highlights a severe underrepresentation of male-focused IPV research in the Tanzanian context, with most of the literature concentrated in global North countries and in the social sciences domain. Findings reveal that internalized stigma, cultural scripts of masculinity, and institutional unpreparedness remain major barriers to IPV disclosure and reporting among men. Despite limited representation, Tanzanian studies offer deep contextual insight into the complex interplay of gender, power, and vulnerability. The review concludes with recommendations for inclusive and support services for all IPV victims regardless of gender.

ABSTRACT. In poor developing countries, such as Tanzania, development efforts of the people especially in the rural areas are closely associated with daily exploitation of natural resources from the environment. To them, environment is the source of their livelihood strategies. The natural resources such as land, forests and water bodies; are the cornerstone of their farming, fishing, timbering, beekeeping, honey harvesting, quarrying, embroidery, hunting, charcoal making and firewood collection for both home consumption and business purposes. This makes it difficult to detach life of a poor person in a village and his heavily dependence on the environment for survival. Continued exploitation of natural resources by the community with short term gains purposes of generating income for immediate consumption confronts with efforts to reduce climate change effects and promote sustainable development. In various places of Tanzania such as Same, Chemba and Kiteto District Councils, there have been various efforts to support the communities and reduce their dependence on environmental resources as the only way of addressing their social and economic needs at household level. There have been efforts to create awareness on climate change issues by involving different stakeholders and involve them in the implementation of various strategies to reduce the impact of climate change. Farmers have been trained on how to improve farming skills and technology to mitigate Climate change and variability impacts. Households and Communities have been encouraged to diversify economy by improving small business skills. However, the measurement of realization of the outcomes under this effort was limited to the percentage of farmers and livestock keepers who are mostly aware of Climate change and variability issues. Majority of other groups in the community have been left unaware of such climate change effects. There have also been efforts to establish biogas plants at household level, Sensitize Community on the use of alternative energy, tree planting for fuel wood, Up scale the use of energy saving stove, Up scale the use of solar panels and Up scale the use of LPG‘s; but still most of the people, especially women have been spending a lot of time and energy to continually keep on finding energy sources from the far away areas in the forests. Continued exploitation of natural forests in Chemba and Kiteto have resulted into Districts authorities embarking into some initiatives and impose by-laws to protect the forest reserves from the continuing extraction of firewood and charcoal preparation. The district Council in Chemba for example, has set and demarcated a piece of natural forest (in Mombose and Bubutole within Falkwa ward) which specifically serves as a source of firewood and charcoal. But not all the time communities are allowed to collect firewood from these forests. The district council has set some by-laws governing communities’ actions in collecting firewood basing on schedules provided. There are some specific days in a month (Wednesdays and Fridays) in which the villagers are allowed to obtain such services from the forests. The by-laws allow community members from the villages near the forest to collect firewood but not cutting down the trees for firewood or charcoal preparation. The efforts made are somewhat needed because the plight of natural resources and environmental quality are dependent on local leadership, local institutional capacity and willingness to conform to national and local standards and regulations. However, with all that, still poverty exists among the rural people, the forestry degradation continues and climate change effects continue to exist in the study area. This paper examines the Challenges of Balancing environmental protection with community needs and aspirations by borrowing experiences from Chemba and Kiteto Districts in Tanzania. Data were obtained through Key Informant Interviews, Focus Group Discussions and review of various documents. The study has registered low rate of local community involvement in the planning for their own development, little reflection of ecosystem-based adaptation and mitigation measures into the local government plans and budgeting processes and more efforts directed towards environmental conservation with less interventions on poverty reduction. An integrated approach is required in addressing both poverty and environmental management challenges.

Key words: Governance, Development, Environment

ABSTRACT. A Full Research Paper

ABSTRACT. The research analysed the role of Uganda's environmental legal framework in promoting sustainable wetland management in the Tororo district, particularly focusing on Were and Monming wetlands. Wetlands are vital ecosystems that offer ecological, social, and economic benefits, but they face increasing threats from unsustainable human activities. The research employed a qualitative research approach to comprehensively assess the effectiveness of existing laws, policies, and regulations. Data was collected through interviews, observation, and document analysis, targeting policymakers, legal experts, environmentalists, local government officials, community leaders, and representatives from the private sector. The study adopted an explorative research design to capture data at a specific point in time and examine relationships between variables. Convenient sampling was used for qualitative data to ensure a representative sample and gather detailed insights. The significance of this study was based on its potential to enhance the protection of Uganda's wetlands and improve community livelihoods by identifying weaknesses in the existing legal and institutional frameworks. The research explored opportunities for sustainable resource management and alternative livelihoods that reduce the impact on wetland ecosystems. The study provided insights into successes, failures, and lessons learned by examining the evolution of wetland management practices and policies from earlier policies but specifically from 2014 to 2024. By performing a situational analysis of the Were and Monming wetlands in the Tororo area, this study sought to educate stakeholders and policymakers on methods for improving wetland management. One important discovery was that social, economic, and cultural issues frequently serve as catalysts for opposition to wetland restoration.