<![CDATA[Aim – This study examines the effect of inventory management systems on the financial performance of public utility organizations, focusing on the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), Kabale Area, Uganda. Specifically, it investigates the effects of inventory planning, stock control practices, and ordering systems on financial performance.Method – The study employed a convergent mixed-methods design combining descriptive and correlational approaches. The target population consisted of 42 respondents, all of whom were included in the study. Data were collected using questionnaires and interview guides. Operational staff were selected through simple random sampling, while managers and officers were selected purposively. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically.Results – The findings indicate that inventory planning contributes to improved financial performance through better forecasting, cost reduction, resource utilization, and operational efficiency. Effective stock control practices, including accurate record-keeping, periodic stocktaking, loss prevention, and waste reduction, also support financial performance. Furthermore, efficient ordering systems help ensure timely procurement, reduce purchasing costs, and minimize emergency orders. Overall, effective inventory management is associated with improved financial and operational outcomes at NWSC Kabale Area.Novelty – This study contributes context-specific evidence on the relationship between inventory management systems and financial performance in Uganda's public utility sector, an area that remains underexplored. It highlights the importance of integrating inventory planning, stock control, and ordering systems to improve financial and operational efficiency. ]]>
