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Information For Authors

The Uganda Pentecostal University Journal of Sustainable Development (UPUJSD) is a peer‑reviewed, open‑access journal dedicated to interdisciplinary research on sustainability. We prioritise practical solutions to local and global challenges, particularly within the Ugandan and East African context, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We publish original research articles, comprehensive reviews, case studies, and policy briefs on topics including, but not limited to:

  • Sustainable agriculture and food security
  • Artificial intelligence in sustainable development
  • Renewable energy and environmental sustainability
  • Climate change adaptation and mitigation
  • Community development and social entrepreneurship
  • Gender equality and social inclusion
  • Sustainable urban planning and law

GENERAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • Originality: Manuscripts must be original, unpublished, and not under consideration elsewhere.
  • Language: Clear, professional English. Non‑native speakers are strongly encouraged to seek editing assistance.
  • Ethical compliance:
    • Ethical approval: Research involving human or animal subjects must have appropriate ethics committee approval, stated in the manuscript.
    • Conflict of interest: All authors must declare any financial or personal relationships that could influence the work. A Conflict of Interest Statement is required.
    • AI use: Use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly) must be disclosed in the cover letter and the manuscript’s acknowledgements section. AI cannot be listed as an author.
    • Plagiarism: Manuscripts will be screened for plagiarism. Similarity index should be below 20% (excluding bibliography).

MANUSCRIPT PREPARATION

Prepare your manuscript in Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx).

1. Title Page (separate file)

Provide a title page with:

  • Title – concise and informative
  • Author full names, institutional affiliations (city and country), and ORCID iDs (highly encouraged)
  • Corresponding author identified with an email address
  • Running title (<20 words)

2. Blind Manuscript (main file – for double‑blind review)

Remove all author identifiers: names, affiliations, acknowledgements, and any self‑citations that reveal identity.

Organise the manuscript as follows:

Section Description
Abstract 250 words maximum, structured into Background, Methods, Results, Conclusions. Should stand alone and avoid references.
Keywords 3–8 keywords, placed below the abstract.
Introduction Context, literature gap, objectives/hypotheses.
Methods Reproducible detail – study design, sample, data collection, analysis.
Results Findings with tables/figures; no interpretation.
Discussion Interpretation, comparison with literature, limitations, implications.
Conclusion Summary of key findings, significance, future research directions.
References APA 7th Edition.
Tables & Figures Each cited in text, placed near first mention, with clear captions.
Supplementary Materials Additional data, questionnaires, code (separate files).

3. Formatting details

  • Font: Arial Narrow, 12 pt
  • Spacing: Double‑spaced throughout
  • Page numbers: Consecutive, bottom centre
  • Line numbers: Continuous line numbering required
  • Length: Main text (excluding abstract, references, tables, figures): 6,000–8,000 words

FIGURES AND TABLES

Element Requirement
Format Submit as separate, editable files (e.g., .docx, .pptx, .xlsx).
Resolution Minimum 300 DPI for photographs, 600 DPI for line art.
Labelling Number consecutively (e.g., Table 1, Figure 2).
Captions Brief descriptive caption below tables and above figures.

SUBMISSION AND PEER REVIEW PROCESS

  • Online submission: All manuscripts must be submitted through this platform login to submit. Email submissions will not be accepted.
  • Required files:
    • Title page (with author details)
    • Blind manuscript (without author details)
    • Figures and tables (separate files)
    • Cover letter (explaining significance and fit with journal scope)
    • Conflict of Interest form (if required)
  • Peer review: Double‑blind. Initial assessment by Editor‑in‑Chief, then sent to at least two independent expert reviewers.
  • Decision: Accept, Minor Revisions, Major Revisions, or Reject.
  • Revisions: Revised manuscript must be submitted with a point‑by‑point response to reviewers.
  • Timeline: Average time to first decision: 4–6 weeks.

AFTER ACCEPTANCE

  • Proofs: Corresponding author receives page proofs for final review. Only essential corrections (e.g., typographical errors) are permitted.
  • Copyright: Authors retain copyright.
  • Promotion: Authors are encouraged to promote their article through academic and social media channels.

ETHICAL POLICIES (SUMMARY)

  • Research ethics: For human/animal studies, include ethics approval statement and informed consent wording.
  • Plagiarism: All submissions screened with Turnitin/iThenticate.
  • Conflict of interest: Complete and sign the journal’s COI disclosure form.
  • Data availability: A data availability statement is required (e.g., “Data available on request from the corresponding author”).
  • AI disclosure: State any use of AI in manuscript preparation in the Acknowledgements.

SUBMISSION CHECKLIST (to be completed before submission)

  • Title page with all author details
  • Blind manuscript 
  • Abstract (structured, ≤250 words) + 3–8 keywords
  • Main text: 6,000–8,000 words, double‑spaced, line numbers
  • References in APA 7th Edition, verified for accuracy
  • Tables/figures as separate editable files with captions
  • Cover letter
  • Conflict of Interest form
  • Ethical approval statement (if applicable)
  • Data availability statement
  • AI use disclosure (if applicable)