Framework to bridge the gender gap in mobile phone usage among women in microbusinesses: A cross-sectional expert-based UTAUT assessment in Mbarara City, Uganda.

Authors

  • Ivan Ninsiima Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara, Uganda Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64792/9419c337

Keywords:

Gender digital divide, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, Expert evaluation, Design Science Research, Digital inclusion framework, Women entrepreneurs, Uganda, Mbarara City

Abstract

Introduction

The gender digital divide limits women’s ability to use mobile phones for business, financial services, communication, and market access. This study evaluated a Gender Digital Inclusion Framework designed for women entrepreneurs in Mbarara City, Uganda, using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) as an assessment lens.

 Methodology

A cross-sectional expert evaluation was conducted within the rigor cycle of a Design Science Research approach. Fourteen purposively selected experts from academia, government, mobile network operators, financial institutions, NGOs/civil society, and local IT intermediaries assessed the framework. A five-point Likert-scale questionnaire measured validity, completeness, practical applicability, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. Descriptive statistics and one-sample t-tests were used for quantitative data, while open-ended responses were analyzed thematically.

 Results

The overall mean rating was 3.94 (SD = 0.73). Validity had the highest mean (4.21), followed by performance expectancy (4.14) and completeness (4.07). Facilitating conditions had the lowest mean (3.64). All seven criteria were significantly above the neutral midpoint of 3 (p < .05). Experts identified disability inclusion, funding sustainability, monitoring and evaluation, youth-specific needs, and implementation planning as areas requiring refinement.

 Conclusion

The findings indicate that experts considered the framework valid, complete, and practically applicable, while identifying implementation conditions that require strengthening. UTAUT provided a structured basis for examining the framework’s potential adoption conditions before field implementation.

 Recommendation

Future implementation should incorporate disability-inclusive training and assistive technologies, a sustainable financing mechanism, strengthened monitoring and evaluation, youth-responsive strategies, and clearly assigned implementation responsibilities.

Author Biography

  • Ivan Ninsiima, Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara, Uganda

    is affiliated with Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara, Uganda. His work in this manuscript focuses on digital inclusion, mobile phone usage among women in microbusinesses, Design Science Research, and the application of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology to framework evaluation. A fuller institutional biography, including academic qualifications, position, research interests, and professional affiliations, should be added if required by the target journal.

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Published

2026-10-01

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 4 (2026): October 2026 Issue

Section

Policy, Governance, and Sustainable Development

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Copyright (c) 2026 Ivan Ninsiima (Author)

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How to Cite

Framework to bridge the gender gap in mobile phone usage among women in microbusinesses: A cross-sectional expert-based UTAUT assessment in Mbarara City, Uganda. (2026). East African Journal of Research and Innovation, 2(4), 6. https://doi.org/10.64792/9419c337