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Social capital as a cornerstone for self-employment of persons living with disability

Author

Listed:
  • Gerald Kaliisa

    (Makerere University Business School)

  • Mahadih Kyambade

    (Makerere University Business School)

  • Felister Birungi

    (Makerere University Business School)

  • Monica Tushabe

    (Makerere University Business School)

  • Geresem Orichom

    (Makerere University Business School)

  • Ali Balunywa

    (Makerere University Business School)

  • Luke Sewante

    (Makerere University Business School)

Abstract

Positive social relationships are fundamental to one’s career in self-employment. While economic empowerment, improvement of attitude, esteem, and awareness of the rights of Persons Living with Disability (PLWD) have been at the forefront of various projects implemented by various stakeholders to improve the livelihood of PLWD, the social capital of PLWD, which has largely been undermined during project design and implementation, significantly plays a positive role in influencing PLWD towards a career in self-employment and empowers them to improve their livelihood. This study reveals that social capital, especially through membership in a social fraternity, has a significant positive and direct effect on the self-employment of PLWD. A quantitative design was adopted, and tests were conducted to explain the relationships among variables. A population of 300 direct beneficiaries from various projects implemented by National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) from 2005 to 2020 was considered for this study, from which a sample size of 169 respondents was selected using simple random sampling. The data obtained were tested for reliability and analyzed using Smart-PLS Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The implications of this study are that stakeholders can contribute to the creation of a more inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment for disabled people to pursue self-employment opportunities and achieve economic independence and prosperity. Through collaborative efforts and targeted interventions, social capital, institutional support, and collective action of persons with disabilities can be leveraged to overcome barriers and unlock opportunities for entrepreneurship and self-employment success.

Suggested Citation

  • Gerald Kaliisa & Mahadih Kyambade & Felister Birungi & Monica Tushabe & Geresem Orichom & Ali Balunywa & Luke Sewante, 2025. "Social capital as a cornerstone for self-employment of persons living with disability," International Review of Economics, Springer;Happiness Economics and Interpersonal Relations (HEIRS), vol. 72(2), pages 1-26, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:inrvec:v:72:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s12232-025-00510-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s12232-025-00510-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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