Assessing the effectiveness of government projects in the economic development of Uganda, a case study of Emyooga in Paidha town council in Zombo district

Abstract

Assessing the effectiveness of government projects in the economic development of Uganda, a case study of Emyooga in Paidha town council in Zombo district

Ozelle Molly The study examined the effectiveness of government-led economic development projects in Uganda, using the EMYOOGA initiative in Paidha Town Council, Zombo District, as a case study. It set out to assess three specific objectives: (1) to examine the effect of EMYOOGA financial services on household livelihoods; (2) to establish the effect of EMYOOGA group-based savings on business growth; and (3) to evaluate the effect of EMYOOGA-facilitated market linkages on job and income-generating opportunities. A descriptive, cross-sectional research design was adopted, consistent with Bryman’s (2001) definition of cross-sectional studies as snapshots of a specified population at a single point in time. Data were collected between 2023 and 2024 from 171 randomly selected EMYOOGA beneficiaries across six parish SACCOs, using a self-administered questionnaire, a semi-structured interview guide for key informants, and a documentary review checklist. Findings indicate that while beneficiaries report relative improvements in income and asset acquisition, financial services alone did not significantly predict livelihood outcomes (R = 0.093, R² = 0.009, F(1, 137) = 1.160, p = .282). Group-based savings showed a small but statistically significant positive association with business growth (R = 0.212, R² = 0.045, F(1, 137) = 6.415, p = .014), reflecting enhanced inventory scaling and cost savings. Market linkage interventions were valued for trade fairs and buyer introductions but did not yield a significant increase in reported jobs or income streams (R = 0.128, R² = 0.016, F(1, 137) = 1.759, p = .188) due to persistent logistical and contract-facilitation constraints. The study concluded that EMYOOGA’s financial products effectively prevent extreme destitution but require complementary measures—such as tiered loan frameworks, targeted capacity building for SACCO governance, and strengthened infrastructure—to move households toward self-sufficiency. Group savings harness social capital but need formal incubation and mentorship to catalyze joint enterprises and employment. Market linkages improve visibility yet demand investments in transport schemes, legal contracting support, and digital platforms to convert connections into sustainable income and jobs. Key recommendations include integrating EMYOOGA with public works or asset-transfer programs to bridge the subsistence gap, deploying tailored business-development services and incubators for savings groups, and partnering with district infrastructure agencies to subsidize rural-urban transport and establish market-linkage hubs. Continuous M&E, streamlined digital disbursement, and participatory record-keeping are also essential to enhance transparency, accountability, and long-term impact.