Publications

Research & documentation

Peer-reviewed articles and documentation produced by CRCI researchers and our partners. Documentation and publication are at the heart of what we do.

International Journal of Gender Studies · Accepted 7 July 2026

Business Growth and Sustainability Strategies among Young Women Entrepreneurs in Goma Division, Mukono Municipality, Mukono District, Uganda

Proscovia Nalwadda & Henry Lukwago

Vol. 11, Issue 1, No. 3 (2026), pp. 37–53

Young women entrepreneursBusiness growthBusiness sustainabilityEntrepreneurial strategiesMukono Municipality

Abstract

This study examined the practices and strategies young women entrepreneurs use to grow and sustain their businesses in Goma Division, Mukono Municipality. Using an interpretive phenomenological design, six young women running SMEs with demonstrated continuity were purposively selected, and open-ended interviews were analysed thematically. Drawing on Bandura’s social cognitive theory, the findings show how personal factors — confidence, perseverance, financial discipline, and a commitment to learning — interact with environmental influences such as access to loans, social networks, market competition, regulation and regional background to produce behaviours like saving, reinvesting profits, branding, record-keeping, legal compliance and networking. The study extends social cognitive theory by showing that entrepreneurial growth among young women is also socially and culturally embedded — shaped by tribal identity, regional origin, social capital, informal finance and gendered experience — and recommends gender-sensitive policies, affordable finance, training, mentorship, and a resilience framework for sustaining women-owned enterprises.

Cite this

Nalwadda, P. & Lukwago, H. (2026). Business Growth and Sustainability Strategies among Young Women Entrepreneurs in Goma Division, Mukono Municipality, Mukono District, Uganda. International Journal of Gender Studies, 11(1), 37–53. https://doi.org/10.47604/ijgs.3856

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East African Journal of Arts and Social Sciences · 7 July 2026

Understanding Why Some Women Enterprises in Mukono District Remain Stagnant

Proscovia Nalwadda & Henry Lukwago

Vol. 9, Issue 3 (2026), pp. 60–74

Women entrepreneursSMEsEmpowermentBusiness stagnationUganda

Abstract

This study explored why women-owned Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Mukono Municipality, Uganda, remain stagnant. Adopting an interpretive phenomenological design and guided by empowerment theory, it examined women’s experiences of economic, relational/social, and psychological empowerment. In-depth interviews with women in an entrepreneurial empowerment program were analysed thematically. Findings revealed interconnected challenges: economic barriers (inadequate capital, indebtedness, high rental costs, unstable premises, economic shocks); relational and social challenges (discrimination, exploitation, abuse, and unequal power relations); and psychological barriers (low self-confidence, health challenges, and heavy caregiving responsibilities). Age shaped the intensity of these challenges. The study concludes that stagnation is driven by the interaction of economic, social and psychological barriers, and recommends integrated interventions across financial inclusion, entrepreneurship skills, social protection, mentorship, and psychological empowerment.

Cite this

Nalwadda, P. & Lukwago, H. (2026). Understanding Why Some Women Enterprises in Mukono District Remain Stagnant. East African Journal of Arts and Social Sciences, 9(3), 60–74. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajass.9.3.5284

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More publications and documentation coming soon.