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Item ADAPTATION FINANCE MECHANISMS AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE: A CASE OF TOCHI IRRIGATION COOPERATIVE SOCIETY IN OYAM DISTRICT(Gulu University, 2026-10) OJOK, MICHAELThis study examined the influence of adaptation finance mechanisms on climate resilience at Tochi Irrigation Cooperative Society in Oyam District, Uganda. Specifically, it identified adaptation finance mechanisms accessible to cooperative members, assessed climate-related risks, established the relationship between adaptation finance mechanisms and climaterelated risks, and determined the moderating influence of cooperative governance on these relationships. The study was guided by Resilience Theory and adopted a mixed-methods approach incorporating a correlational research design. Quantitative data were collected using questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained through key informant interviews. The dissertation reports 92 respondents in the abstract, and quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings indicated that infrastructure development and public–private partnerships (PPPs) were the principal adaptation finance mechanisms examined. Skilled extension services (68.4%), water reservoirs (67.1%) and access roads (64.6%) were among the most frequently reported infrastructure components. Within PPP arrangements, shared proceeds (62.0%), collaborative policy formulation (59.5%) and resource sharing (58.2%) were prominent, while technology transfer and joint investment-related arrangements remained areas requiring improvement. Regarding climate-related risks, respondents reported substantial concerns about increased agricultural input costs (mean = 4.22), inadequate access to machinery (mean = 4.20) and delayed planting (mean = 4.10). Correlation findings demonstrated significant negative associations between adaptation finance indicators and climate-related risks. Road infrastructure, for example, recorded a correlation of (r=-0.70) with production risks, while shared proceeds under PPP arrangements recorded a correlation of (r=-0.66) with the relevant climate-risk indicator. The moderation analysis further established statistically significant interaction effects between adaptation finance mechanisms and cooperative governance for production risks ((B=-0.22, p=0.018)), flood risks ((B=-0.18, p=0.027)) and livelihood risks ((B=-0.19, p=0.021)). These results indicate that cooperative governance significantly moderates the relationships between adaptation finance mechanisms and the three climate-risk outcomes. The study concludes that infrastructure investments and PPP arrangements are important correlates of climate resilience at Tochi Irrigation Cooperative Society, while cooperative governance plays a significant moderating role. It recommends strengthening climate-resilient infrastructure, improving transparency and accountability within the cooperative, expanding inclusive PPP arrangements, increasing access to appropriate agricultural technologies and promoting gender-responsive adaptation finance. Further research should examine the longer-term effects of adaptation finance mechanisms and compare outcomes across irrigation schemes.Item MOBILE BANKING SERVICES AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN BARDEGE LAYIBI DIVISION, GULU CITY(Gulu University, 2026-10) OLWOCH, OCAYA PATRICKThis research examined the influence of mobile banking on financial inclusion of women entrepreneurs in Bardege-Layibi Division, Gulu City, with moderating effect of digital literacy. Four objectives guided the research. The first one was aimed at examining how women entrepreneurs utilize mobile banking services; the second – determining their level of financial inclusion; the third exploring the association between mobile banking services and financial inclusion; the fourth identifying the role of digital literacy in this association. Descriptive survey design was used with cross-sectional timeframe and mixed methods. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from women entrepreneurs, Community Development Officers, Commercial Officers, and market leaders in Bardege-Layibi Division. Sample size of 384 women entrepreneurs was computed based on Cochran’s formula for population size, while 12 key informants were purposefully selected for interview. Data gathering involved questionnaires and interview guide. Quantitative data analysis involved descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis using SPSS software, while qualitative data analysis used thematic analysis. The instrument validity was assessed with the Content Validity Index (CVI = 0.911), while its reliability was established with Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients which ranged from 0.716 to 0.801. Results showed that women entrepreneurs have high utilization of mobile banking services in terms of payment, withdrawal, savings, and inquiry services while the utilization of credit services is low. In addition, women entrepreneurs have a high level of financial inclusion as indicated by improved access, affordability and service quality of financial services. Correlation and regression analysis indicated that payment, withdrawal, savings, and inquiry services have significant positive relationships with financial inclusion, while credit services do not have a significant influence. Furthermore, the study found out that digital literacy significantly moderates the relationship between mobile banking services and financial inclusion such that women entrepreneurs with high level of digital literacy benefit more with financial inclusion from mobile banking services compared to women with low level of digital literacy. The study concludes that mobile banking services greatly enhance financial inclusion of women entrepreneurs particularly with regard to payment, withdrawal, savings, and inquiry services. Digital literacy plays an important role in enhancing the influence of mobile banking services on financial inclusion. The study recommends that governments, banks and mobile money service providers should increase efforts on improving digital literacy of women entrepreneurs, providing affordable digital financial services and designing user-friendly financial products for them.Item SPECIAL GRANT ADMINSTRATION AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: A STUDY OF NEBBI DISTRICT(Gulu University, 2026) ABALO, JOSEPHINEThis study examined the administration and impact of the Special Grant for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nebbi District, focusing on how the program contributes to the empowerment of beneficiaries. The findings reveal that while the grant has provided meaningful short-term financial relief and improved confidence among some PWDs, its overall effectiveness in achieving sustainable empowerment remains limited. The study found that the design and communication of eligibility criteria are relatively clear, and institutional efforts toward capacity building and community engagement have yielded moderate success. However, challenges persist in the areas of enterprise development, consistent financial literacy training, and equitable access to resources. Many beneficiaries continue to face barriers related to limited business sustainability, weak income stability, and minimal employment creation. The study concludes that the special grant has the potential to empower PWDs economically and socially, but this potential is constrained by inadequate structural support and inconsistent program delivery. Sustainable empowerment can only be achieved when the grant is accompanied by continuous mentorship, effective financial education, and follow-up mechanisms that support business growth and self-reliance. It is therefore recommended that the government and implementing institutions strengthen transparency in grant administration, expand financial literacy programs tailored to the needs of PWDs, and establish enterprise incubation and mentorship initiatives to enhance business sustainability. Furthermore, the study suggests increased monitoring and evaluation, as well as further research on the longterm outcomes of the grant and gender-specific challenges faced by PWDs. Strengthening these areas will enhance the effectiveness of the special grant and contribute to inclusive and equitable development for all persons with disabilities.Item COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AND SUSTAINABILITY OF GOVERNMENT PROJECTS IN UGANDA A CASE OF NORTHERN UGANDA SOCIAL ACTION FUND III IN SELECTED SUBCOUNTIES OF DOKOLO DISTRICT.(Gulu University, 2026) OTANG ISAAC OKUMAThis study examined the relationship between community participation and the sustainability of government projects in Uganda a case of Northern Uganda Social Action Fund III (NUSAF III) projects in Dokolo District. It was guided by four objectives: to assess the level of community participation, to examine the extent of project sustainability, to examine the relationship between community participation and project sustainability, and to establish the influence of the government policy framework on that relationship. The study used a cross-sectional descriptive design and a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected from 238 respondents using a structured questionnaire, and qualitative data from 20 key informant interviews and four focus group discussions in Batta, Adok, Kangai and Okwongodul sub-counties. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression in SPSS, and thematic analysis. Overall community participation was high, with collaboration highest and participatory decision-making lowest. Overall project sustainability was rated strongest in the social dimension and weakest in the environmental dimension. Community participation explained the variation in project sustainability, with empowerment and information sharing as the significant predictors. Adding the decentralization policy framework raised the explained variation, and the framework itself was a significant predictor of project sustainability. The study concludes that NUSAF III projects are sustained mainly where communities are empowered and well informed and where local governments provide follow-up support, while participation in decision-making remains shallow. It recommends that Dokolo District Local Government involve communities in project identification and budgeting, institutionalize information sharing and post-project monitoring, and continue capacity building for community project management committees.Item PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES AND CHILD ABUSE REDUCTION IN REFUGEE SETTLEMENTS: A CASE STUDY OF PALABEK REFUGEE SETTLEMENT CAMP(Gulu University, 2026-09) Amali, Getrude RuthThis study examined how psychosocial support services contribute to reducing child abuse in Palabek Refugee Settlement, with specific attention to the availability of services, the nature of abuse, the influence of social and cultural factors and the overall effectiveness of psychosocial interventions. A mixed-method research design was employed, combining structured questionnaires administered to caregivers with key informant interviews involving Non-Governmental Organization staff, community leaders, and government officials, as well as focus group discussions with caregivers, children and child protection committee members. This approach enabled the study to capture both measurable trends and rich lived experiences related to child protection in the settlement. The findings revealed that counselling services, family support programs, and peer support groups are widely implemented by humanitarian agencies and are generally well received by both children and caregivers. Among these, family support emerged as the strongest protective factor, helping caregivers adopt non-violent discipline methods and strengthening emotional bonds within households. Counselling services were particularly helpful for children experiencing trauma and stress, allowing them to regain emotional stability and confidence. Peer support groups provided safe spaces for children to share experiences, although their effectiveness depended greatly on the quality of facilitation and regularity of meetings. The study further established that emotional abuse remains highly prevalent, largely driven by household stress and economic hardship, while physical and sexual abuse, although less frequently reported, still affect many children. Deep-rooted cultural norms such as the acceptance of corporal punishment and silence surrounding sexual abuse continue to weaken child protection efforts. Overall, the study concludes that psychosocial support services are a critical strategy for reducing child abuse in refugee settings, especially when combined with family involvement, community awareness, and cultural transformation initiatives. It recommends expanding family-centered interventions, strengthening trauma-informed counselling, engaging community and cultural leaders, and investing in long-term behavior change programs to ensure safer environments for children in refugee settlements.Item SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS AND POLICY INCENTIVES INFLUENCING THE ADOPTION OF BIO-GAS TECHNOLOGY IN GULU CITY(Gulu University, 2026-05-02) ONEKA CHARLESSocial economic factors play crucial role in the adoption of bio-gas in any economy. This study investigated socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of bio-gas technology in Gulu city. The study was guided by the following objectives: To assess the adoption of biogas technology among households in Gulu City; to assess the benefits of biogas technology among households; to assess the factors affecting adoption of biogas technology among households in Gulu City; and to assess the moderating effect of policy intervention on the relationship between socio-economic factors and the adoption of biogas technology. The study used descriptive and cross-sectional research design with a mixed method approach of both quantitative and qualitative. Data was collected from a sample of 88 households using questionnaires and interview guides by employing simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Key study findings revealed high level of perception about the socio-economic benefits of bio-gas adoption; and low level of bio-gas adoption among households. The finding shows that economic and technological factors have significant effect on adoption of bio-gas technology, while social factors do not have any significant effect on adoption of bio-gas technology. From the study, policy incentives have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between socio-economic factors and bio-gas adoption. The study concluded that economic and technological factors are crucial for the adoption of biogas technology. The study recommends that measures aimed at improving bio-gas adoption should focus on economic and technological measures. The study also concludes that policy incentives should be integrated in to key technological and economic factors for increased adoption of biogas technology.Item OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, SAFETY AND SECURITY (HSS) PRACTCES AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN SELLECTED HOTELS IN GULU CITY(Gulu University, 2026-10-25) Bongomin, Simon KinyeraEmployee performance has been a perennial global problem, the reason why the human resource department is pivotal in the success of any organisation. This study aimed at establishing the relationship between occupational health, safety and security practices and employee performance in hotels in Gulu City. The specific objectives were about establishing the occupational health, safety and security practices in hotels in Gulu City; assessing the level of employee performance in the hotels; and establish the relationship the two variables. The study adopted the cross-sectional research design which incorporated both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Out of the hotels that offer restaurant, accommodation, laundry services, four were sampled randomly and they included Acholi Inn Hotel, Boma Hotel Limited, Flight View Hotel and Hotel Kakanyero. The study population comprised of directors, managers, supervisors, front desk staff, accounts department staff, staff of customer care department, those of the laundry and sanitation department, housekeeping employees, and food and beverage staff. questionnaire, interview and document review methods were employed in collecting data. conducted both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted. This study explores the relationship between occupational health, safety, and security (HSS) practices and employee performance in the hotel industry in Gulu City, Uganda. In the dynamic and often demanding hospitality sector,ensuring employee well-being through effective HSS practices is increasingly recognized as a key determinant of organizational success. The research investigates how workplace safety policies, health initiatives, and security measures influence employee morale, productivity, and overall performance. Drawing on data collected from hotel employees and management across various hotel categories in Gulu City, the study reveals that comprehensive HSS practices contribute significantly to reduced workplace accidents, improved job satisfaction, and enhanced employee commitment. However, challenges such as limited resources, inadequate training, and inconsistent enforcement of safety standards were also identified as barriers to optimal HSS implementation. The findings underscore the need for hotel management and policymakers to prioritize structured and continuous investment in occupational health and safety systems to promote a safer work environment and boost employee output. Ultimately, the study contributes to the growing discourse on sustainable workforce management in Uganda’s emerging hospitality sector, emphasizing that a safe and secure working environment is not just a legal requirement but a strategic asset for improving employee performance. Conclusion and Recommendation: The study concludes that effective occupational health, safety, and security practices positively influence employee performance in hotels in Gulu City by improving staff well-being, job satisfaction, productivity, and commitment. It recommends that hotel management invest in regular staff training, adequate safety equipment, clear workplace safety policies, and consistent enforcement of health and security standards. Additionally, policymakers should strengthen monitoring and compliance mechanisms to ensure hotels maintain safe working environments. These measures will enhance employee performance, reduce workplace accidents, and promote sustainable growth in Gulu City’s hospitality industry.