EFFECT OF CHURCH STRUCTURES ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF CHURCH OF UGANDA-FOUNDED PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS: EVIDENCE FROM GREATER ANKOLE DIOCESES, UGANDA

Purpose: This study investigates the effect of Church structures on the financial performance of Church of Uganda-founded private secondary schools in Greater Ankole Dioceses. The research addresses a critical gap in understanding how church policies and hierarchy, within the context of resource-based, incremental budgeting, and systems management frameworks, shape financial outcomes in Church of Uganda-founded private secondary schools. Design/Methodology/Approach:A convergent mixed-methods design was employed, integrating quantitative survey data from 365 respondentsfrom the school stakeholders that is the Bishops office staff, Church field staff, school management committees, School administrative staff and Government officials and qualitative interviews. Church structures were measured using validated scales, and financial performance was assessed through self-reported indicators. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA/CFA) validated the constructs, and structural equation modeling (SEM) tested the hypothesized relationships. Reliability and validity were established through Cronbachs alpha, composite reliability, and average variance extracted. Findings: The results revealedthat Church structures have a weaker, non-significant effect. Church hierarchy is negatively associated with financial performance. The findings highlight the importance of church policies in shaping financial performance, especially in the revenue-constrained, Church of Uganda-founded private secondary schools. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the body of literature by providing empirical evidence from a unique context that Church structures in relation to policy and hierarchy impact to Church of Uganda-founded private secondary schools in the province of the church of Uganda especially in the greater Ankole Dioceses have on financial performance, interpreted through the lenses of resource-based, incremental budgeting, and systems management theories. The findings offer actionable insights for policymakers, school administrators, and church authorities seeking to improve church policies and financial performance.