Between 5 June – 6 July and 10 July – 11 August, two cohorts of postgraduate researchers successfully completed a free data analysis training using SPSS, jointly organized by Ipro Youth Empowerment Vile (IYEV) and Psychtrix Initiative Limited.
The training was hosted in Kansanga, close to Kampala International University, providing a convenient academic environment for postgraduate learners within Kampala.
Two Cohorts, Focused Learning
The programme ran in two intensive one-month batches, each enrolling 10–12 participants. In total, over twenty learners benefitted from the initiative. The majority of participants were Master’s students, with a few PhD candidates, reflecting the programme’s strong alignment with postgraduate research needs.
Small cohort sizes allowed for close interaction, hands-on practice, and individualized guidance throughout the training.
Structured Beginner–Intermediate SPSS Curriculum
Designed as a Beginner/Intermediate-level training, the programme progressively built participants’ competence in applied quantitative analysis. Core topics covered included:
- Data entry, variable coding, and dataset setup
- Data cleaning and screening
- Descriptive statistics and graphical presentation
- Bivariate Pearson correlation
- Multiple correlation analysis
- Multiple regression analysis
- Independent samples t-test
- One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)
Sessions emphasized practical application, enabling participants to analyze real research datasets relevant to theses, dissertations, and publishable studies.
Distinguished Facilitation and Academic Support
Among the prominent facilitators was Associate Professor Enoch Oladunmoye, from the Department of Applied Psychology, Kampala International University, who graced the training sessions. His involvement brought strong academic depth, methodological clarity, and real-world research insight to the programme, greatly enriching participants’ learning experience.
Certification and Research Capacity Building
At the conclusion of each one-month training cycle, participants who completed the programme were awarded certificates, formally recognizing their competencies in SPSS-based data analysis.
Beyond certification, the training significantly strengthened participants’ ability to independently manage datasets, select appropriate statistical tests, interpret outputs accurately, and report findings in line with academic and professional standards.
Commitment to Research Empowerment
This free SPSS training reflects the shared commitment of IYEV and Psychtrix Initiative Limited to research capacity building, youth empowerment, and equitable access to methodological training. By removing financial barriers and situating the programme within an academic hub, the initiative contributed meaningfully to strengthening postgraduate research skills in Uganda.
Following the success of both cohorts, the organizers reaffirm their intention to continue offering similar trainings in data analysis, psychometrics, and advanced research methods in the future.