Entrepreneurship Competence and SME Sustainability in Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

This study was carried out to establish the possibility of enhancing SME sustainability in Kampala, Uganda through boosting key internal drivers of entity performance (records management, internal communication, family influences, and online presence). Using conclusive, cross-sectional, and case study research designs supported by the philosophical underpinnings of critical realism and positivism epistemology, data was collected from 278 SMEs using semi-structured questionnaires. Using SEM analysis, it was revealed that all the key drivers have a positive significant statistical effects of the sustainability of SMEs (records management [S.E = 0.3; p = 0.000], internal communication [S.E = 0.229; p = 0.017], family influences [S.E = 0.162; p = 0.041], and online presence [S.E = 0.321; p = 0.000]). It was therefore recommended that key internal success factors identified need to be considered in the management and operations of SMEs in Kampala. This is aimed at guaranteeing the sustainability of SMEs and the boosting of the private sector.

A Review of Critical Success Factors Influencing the Success of SMEs

“…Bensalah and Tinaztepe (2021) stated that most Moroccan entrepreneurs that become successful are educated and utilize their education to improve their ventures' performance for success. Another quantitative study found a higher education level of owners/managers is one of the drivers that are key to the sustainability of their ventures (Rulangaranga, D. M., & Isoh, A. V. N., 2021). Therefore, Rulangaranga and Isoh argued that entrepreneurs must consider educated managers to enhance the sustainability of their SMEs.…”