Title: Does managerial competence and information asymmetry matter in access to finance? A lens into registered small businesses in Uganda

Authors: Mary Nanyondo; Josephine Naigwe; Juma Bananuka; Zainabu Tumwebaze

Addresses: Business School, Durham University, Mill Hill Lane DH1 3LB, Durham, UK ' Department of Accounting, Makerere University Business School, P.O. Box 1337 Kampala, Uganda ' Deceased; formerly of: Makerere University Business School, Uganda ' Business School, Makerere University, P.O. Box 1337 Kampala, Uganda

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to establish the relationship between managerial competence, information asymmetry, and access to finance by registered small businesses in Uganda. This study is cross-sectional and correlational. Data was collected through a questionnaire survey of 301 registered small businesses. Data were analysed through correlation coefficients and linear regression using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The results suggest that both managerial competencies and information asymmetry are significantly associated with access to finance. This study adds to the already existing literature on access to finance using evidence from an emerging African economy like Uganda.

Keywords: access to finance; managerial competencies; information asymmetry; small business; Uganda.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBEM.2026.150247

International Journal of Business and Emerging Markets, 2026 Vol.18 No.1, pp.70 - 86

Accepted: 28 Jul 2023
Published online: 05 Dec 2025 *

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