Leadership Strategies in Rurehe Sub-County, Uganda: Can they Alleviate Household Poverty?

Abstract

Leadership strategies play a role in sustainable household poverty eradication in Ruhehe Sub-County, Uganda, as examined through Adaptive Leadership Theory. This study employed a quantitative approach with correlational and survey designs to analyse the relationship between leadership strategies and poverty reduction. A sample of 151 respondents was selected from a target population of 242 using Yamane’s formula, with stratified, proportionate, and simple random sampling ensuring fair representation. Data collection involved researcher- and self-administered questionnaires, while descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including hypothesis testing at a 0.05 significance level, guided data analysis. Findings revealed a weak but significant positive correlation between leadership and poverty eradication (r = 0.280, p = 0.002), suggesting a modest yet statistically meaningful association. Regression analysis further confirmed this effect (β = 0.227, t = 2.293, p = 0.024), demonstrating that leadership strategies contribute to poverty alleviation. Although leadership strategies influence poverty reduction, their impact remains limited, highlighting the need for complementary socio-economic interventions. Strengthening community participation and enhancing leadership training could improve outcomes. This study’s originality lies in its contextualised application of Adaptive Leadership Theory to poverty eradication, providing empirical insights for policymakers and development practitioners seeking sustainable solutions.