The Performance of Small and Medium Entrepreneurs and Enterprises Development in Uganda: A Case Study of Metal Fabricators in Kampala District

Abstract

KURUHIIRA DAVID (2008-M 102-20039) The Performance of Small and Medium Entrepreneurs and Enterprises Development in Uganda: A Case Study of Metal Fabricators in Kampala District The study looked at the performance of small and medium entrepreneurs and enterprise development in Uganda, a case of metal fabricators in Kampala district. Specifically the study investigated the performance of small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) in Uganda in relation to their development. The study reviewed the investments and production output performance of small and medium enterprises, behaviours of entrepreneurs on the performance of small and medium enterprises and the challenges faced by small and medium entrepreneurs. Empirical data were collected from entrepreneurs involved in metal fabrication and their employees. These were selected by purposive and simple random sampling. Data were quantitatively and qualitatively analysed along objectives and research questions using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 11.0. The key findings of the study show that; there is a positive relationship between investments and production output performance of small and medium enterprises. Entrepreneurial behaviours significantly influence the performance of small and medium entrepreneurs. The challenges faced by small and medium entrepreneurs have a significant effect on their development. 111 The study, therefore, recommends that there should be increased investments in the enterprises to improve output performance through increased funding by government and donors, increase the quantity of resources, build cooperation between enterprises and market the products. Better entrepreneurial behaviours have to be adopted. This should be through innovations, taking risks, developing new ideas, and producing better than competitors. Lastly, the entrepreneurs should work to overcome the challenges that affect their development. This can be through investing in improvement of skills of their employees, securing more capital, creating collateral and seeking improvement of production infrastructure. Key Words: Performance, Entrepreneurs, Enterprises, Development, Metal Fabricators, Kampala