Unlocking financial gains: the contribution of compliance support features to SME performance in Kikuubo business centre, Kampala, Uganda
Ndejje University Journal Of Interdisciplinary Studies,
Volume 2, Conference Papers
eISSN: 3079-7683
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64080/ndujis.2026.Cof.Pro.Oct011
1.Brian Walugembe, Ndejje University, princebryans202@gmail.com,
ORCID: 0009-0006-7749-4178
2.Nazarious Rukanyangira, Ndejje University, nrukana@gmail.com/nrukanyangira@ndejjeuniversity.ac.ug, nazarious.
rukanyangira@uict.ac.ug,
ORCID: 0000-0002-5882-9730
Abstract
Abstract
This study examined the contribution of compliance support features in electronic tax systems (ETS) to the financial performance of selected SMEs in Kikuubo Business Centre, Kampala, Uganda. While digital tax systems provide automation, reminders, and error-correction functionalities, their impact on SME financial outcomes remains underexplored in informal and digitally constrained markets. Using a mixed-methods approach, 189 SME owners and key informants including URA officials and ICT consultants were sampled through stratified random and purposive techniques. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression, while qualitative insights were thematically analyzed. Findings revealed strong positive perceptions of automated tax calculations, timely reminders, and penalty avoidance tools, though user support features had moderate satisfaction. Regression results indicated a significant relationship between compliance support features and SME financial performance (R = 0.713, R² = 0.509, p < 0.05), with every unit increase in compliance support features predicting a 0.787-unit rise in financial performance. The study concludes that ETS compliance features substantially enhance SME profitability, cost efficiency, and cash flow stability, provided they are supported by digital literacy, system usability, and reliable infrastructure. Recommendations include improving intuitive help prompts, offering targeted digital literacy programs, and establishing local support hubs for SMEs.


























