Influence of transformational leadership behaviours, socio-economic factors and environmental governance on households' adoption of sustainable waste management practices in Kampala City

The adoption of sustainable solid waste management (SSWM) remains a major challenge in rapidly urbanising cities in developing countries. This study examined the influence of transformational leadership behaviours on households' adoption of SSWM practices in Kampala City alongside socio-economic and environmental governance factors. A cross-sectional survey of 411 households was conducted using multistage sampling. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire adapted from the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ-5X) and analysed using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, non-parametric tests and logistic regression. Only 43% of households had adopted at least one SSWM practice, indicating low adoption. Transformational leadership behaviours showed limited influence, with only individualised consideration significantly associated with adoption. Environmental governance and socio-economic factors were stronger predictors. The findings suggest that strengthening environmental governance, improving waste management services and addressing socio-economic constraints are more effective strategies for promoting household adoption of sustainable waste management practices in Kampala and similar urban settings.