An Investigation into the Role of Remittances in Supporting the Growth of Small and Medium sized Enterprises in Uganda

Namazzi, Sandrah Elizabeth (2024) An Investigation into the Role of Remittances in Supporting the Growth of Small and Medium sized Enterprises in Uganda. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

This study examines the role that remittances play in the growth of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda. It also suggests future policies that impact remittances in Uganda.

Purpose: This research investigates the impact of remittances on SMEs’ growth in Uganda, and the relationship that strategic policies and the collaboration between government institutions and financial organizations play in this regard.

Motivation: The contribution of remittances to the economic growth of Uganda and to expound their impact on SMEs. To have policies that target development implemented by the government, to encourage investment and funds inflows. This is because remittances have helped reduce poverty in Uganda, improved the economy by creating more jobs in form of SMEs, and the education of children.

Research Aims/Objectives: To investigate the role that remittances play on SMEs growth in Uganda. The impact that government policies, the role of financial players and other organisations have on the growth of remittances and SMEs in Uganda. To suggest future policies that facilitate the growth of remittances and SMEs in Uganda.

Literature Review: Official documents were used to gather insights on the SMEs’ growth in Uganda. These included academic journals, articles, textbooks, and online sources on the impact of remittances on Uganda and other developing countries in Africa.

Methodology/Design/Approach: The research was done using a qualitative approach, adopting in-depth interviews with four SME owners and three government officials in addition to three key players in telecoms, banks, and charities in Uganda. Data was analysed using thematic coding and random stratification.

Findings and Analysis: It was found that remittances play a crucial role in the economic development of Uganda. Factors that limit remittances growth include, high costs of the transfer fees, illiteracy of recipients, and government policies.

Conclusion: The study confirms that remittances contribute to the growth of SMEs, lead to investments by migrants, and the economic development of Uganda. It is recommended that further studies on the role of government policies in boosting investment and remittances should be done in the future for development to occur in Uganda.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Supervisors:	Name Email Cheevers, Tara UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	D History General and Old World > DT Africa H Social Sciences > HG Finance H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory > Entrepreneurship H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Small Business Sector
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Science in Entrepreneurship
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	06 Jun 2025 10:21
Last Modified:	06 Jun 2025 10:21
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/7780

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