Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Relations among Private Companies in Uganda: A Case Study of Elgon Hydro Siti, Bukwo District, Uganda

This study investigated the relationship between corporate social responsibility and community relations among private companies in Uganda, using Elgon Hydro Siti, Bukwo District, as a case study. The study was guided by three specific objectives: to establish the relationship between philanthropic CSR activities and community relations; to assess the relationship between environmental CSR initiatives and community relations; and to examine the relationship between ethical CSR and community relations at Elgon Hydro Siti in Bukwo District. The target population was 365 people, from which a sample of 181 respondents was selected. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data, collected via structured questionnaires, were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Inferential statistics, including correlation and regression analyses, were also conducted to examine relationships between variables. Qualitative data from interviews and open-ended questionnaire responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. The study reveals that there is a strong positive correlation between corporate social responsibility (CSR) dimensions and community relations among Elgon Hydro Siti in Bukwo District. Specifically, the findings show that philanthropic CSR activities have a correlation coefficient of 0.898, environmental CSR initiatives have a correlation coefficient of 0.936, and ethical CSR practices have a correlation coefficient of the community relations. The regression results indicate that philanthropic CSR activities (B = 1.040, p < 0.001), environmental CSR initiatives (B = 0.210, p < 0.001), and ethical CSR practices (B = 0.382, p < 0.001) are all significant predictors of community relations. The study concludes that corporate social responsibility (CSR) plays a vital role in building and maintaining positive community relations among Elgon Hydro Siti in Bukwo District. Specifically, philanthropic CSR activities, environmental CSR initiatives, and ethical CSR practices are all crucial for fostering community trust, cooperation, and goodwill. By prioritizing these CSR dimensions, Elgon Hydro Siti can strengthen community ties, enhance its reputation, and ensure long-term support for its projects. The findings highlight the importance of a holistic CSR approach that addresses community needs and concerns. The study recommends that Elgon Hydro Siti prioritize sustained philanthropic engagement aligned with community needs, ensure transparency in fund allocation, and integrate philanthropy with participatory planning. Elgon Hydro Siti maintain and communicate tangible environmental improvements, prioritize environmental stewardship, and emphasize ethics in its CSR strategy. Establish robust accountability mechanisms, integrating ethical sourcing practices, and prioritizing transparent governance and communication to enhance community trust and support.