Faculty of Education (FEDU)

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Open Access
Addressing Curriculum Gaps to Enhance Research Engagement Among Postgraduate Students in Low Resource Settings
(2020) Frederick, Ssempala
For any country to develop, it should be able to conduct research to generate knowledge necessary to solve problems of humanity by producing necessary goods and services. Research is essential for any nation’s success. Most goods and services consumed today are products of research conducted in developed countries by post-graduate students. Unfortunately, most post-graduate students in developing countries face a lot of challenges that limit their ability to engage in original research that should be published in refereed journals and to acquire necessary patents accordingly. Curriculum gaps inhibit most graduate students in low-resource settings from engaging in productive research necessary to transform the developing country’s economy. Hence, the chapter discusses the importance of research engagement and strategies to fill curriculum gaps in the postgraduate programs to enhance research engagement among the post-graduate students in low-resource settings.
Open Access
A comparative analysis of workload and career progression of faculty members in Uganda’s private and public universities
(Kabale University Interdisciplinary Research Journal, 2021) Eva Irene, Tumusiime
Career progression is a goal most employees, particularly faculty members, pursue to improve job satisfaction and advance towards self-actualisation. However, many faculty members in Uganda’s private and public universities are lagging behind their desired level of career progression, but how this situation is explained by the workload allocated to them has not been comparatively analysed. The cross-sectional design was used to assess the effect of workload on academic staff career progression. Data on 207 lecturers randomly selected from two private and two public universities using the heterogeneous purposive sampling was used. Results from linear regression analysis indicate that workload assigned in terms of teaching tasks, is a significant constraint to lecturers’ career progression. Much of the time lecturers would have used to improve their careers through research, publication and further training is spent on teaching. Results from independent samples T-test show that this scenario is more pronounced in public than private universities because of understaffing caused by underfunding of these universities. The paper concludes public universities’ should improve staffing levels to address workload allocation in way that creates times for faculty members to pursue career.
Open Access
Contribution of secondary school geography assessment strategies in mitigating climate change in Uganda
(International Journal of Education and Research, 2017) Alex, Ronald Mwangu; Kagoda Alice Merab; Mugimu, Christopher Byalusaago
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century. The changing climate affects all aspects of human livelihoods. Effects of climate change are most felt in developing countries due to low awareness and lack of access to information on climate change. Climate change is a major concern to education policy makers and curriculum developers. Education has a role to play in building individual and social capacities for adapting and mitigating climate change. The purpose of education in Uganda is to eradicate illiteracy and to equip the individual with basic skills and knowledge to exploit the environment for self-development as well as national development, for better health, nutrition and family life, and the capability for continued learning. To mitigate climate change, all elements of the education system namely; objectives, content, teaching methods and assessment strategies must lend themselves to building capacities of the learners. This study reveals that the assessment strategies used by geography teachers largely contribute to acquisition of knowledge and hardly develop skills and values/attitudes for mitigating climate change among learners.
Open Access
Critical Analysis of the Production of Western Knowledge and Its Implications for Indigenous Knowledge and Decolonization
(Journal of Black Studies, 2012) Francis Akena, Adyanga
There has been a persistent contest among contemporary scholars over what is considered legitimate knowledge. This contest has implications on ways of knowing, organizing society, and responding to environmental challenges. The Western education system is a hybrid of different knowledge, adopted through European global expansion, to enrich our learning in formal educational settings. This article examines the production of Western knowledge and its validation, imposition, and effects on indigenous people and their knowledge. The author argues that there is a relationship between knowledge producers and their motives with the society in which they live. This relationship influences what is considered “legitimate knowledge” in society, politics, and economy in non-Western contexts.
Open Access
Critical Role and Place of the Church as a Response to Environmental Crisis.
(Kabale University, 2024) Rugyendo, Medard
Globally, the preservation of the environment is very foundational as far as the realization of the Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs) is concerned today. There was a time when people in poorer countries thought that the environmental crisis was not a serious problem for us in developing countries. Our problem, it was assumed, was poverty and economic exploitation; the environmental issue was a “luxury” of the industrialized countries (Abraham, 1995). But today we realize how urgent this issue is for the whole world. Therefore by preserving the environment, it would be part of an indicator of being the light and salt of the world (Matt.5:13) while responding to the environmental crisis. However, the environment continues to be badly damaged and threatened by human activities. And, despite the attempts by various local and international organizations, state and other agencies to protect the environment (Sowunmi, 1994), the scriptural contribution has often been overlooked and at the same time, many Christians have become insensitive about it as far as responding to the environmental crisis is concerned. This article therefore has the following pertinent questions to address: how significant and central are scriptures (bible) towards the promotion of environmental preservation? What are the critical implications of those teachings for the church today? Regarding the methodology of obtaining the data, since this is a bible-centred article the scriptures and other extra-biblical sources in relation to environmental crisis will be critically analyzed. Thus this article is to critically examine the place and role of the church based on scriptures and other related religious teachings towards environmental preservation. Implications and recommendations for a contemporary Christian will follow suit.
Open Access
Curriculum Interpretation and Learners’ Attainment of Reading Skills in Uganda a Case of Selected Districts in Acholi Sub-Region
(International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2019) Sammy, Godfrey Poro; Eton, Marus; Andrew Peter Yiga; Julius, Caesar Enon; Fabian, Mwosi
The study sought to assess the influence of curriculum interpretation on learners’ attainment of reading skills in Acholi Sub region, Uganda. The finding indicated a significant relationship between curriculum interpretation and attainment of learners’ reading skills. The study recommended a more coordinated approach to language policy implementation so that all learners can have the opportunity to learn to read first in their mother tongue and for reading to be beneficial and meaningful for them. Emphasizing instruction in local languages in government primary schools disadvantages learners when it comes to preparation for Primary Leaving Examinations. The government needs to streamline policy on thematic curriculum implementation so that all learners in Uganda are given equal opportunities when it comes to primary leaving examinations
Open Access
Documenting Student Representation of Indigenous HIV/AIDS Information and Integration Into the School Curriculum
(International Journal of Curriculum Development and Learning Measurement, 2021) Denis, Sekiwu; Olivia Nina, Rugambwa
Often times, contemporary health and epidemiological practices ignore indigenous information on HIV prevention. Colonial hegemony tends to replicate indigenous knowledge bases as primordial, superstitious, and lacking vivid scientific explanation to qualify the test for medical diagnostic study. Using an information science viewpoint and an anti-colonial discursive theory, this paper challenges the skewed discernment that it is only Western knowledge production that is considered legitimate knowledge. The authors argue that indigenous HIV/AIDS information exists and can be integrated into the curriculum to complement Western knowledge paradigms on adolescent HIV prevention.
Open Access
Ecology of schooling: Enabling school environment for student engagement in Uganda’s Universal Secondary Education
(International Journal of Educational Policy Research and Review, 2020-03) Sylivia, Awori; Denis, Sekiwu; Frederick, Ssempala; Frances, Naluwemba
Using the Mixed method, we examine the relationship between the school environment and student engagement in USE schools in Uganda. Most study participants agree that the environment in USE schools is generally conducive. There isa positive relationship between the school environment and student engagement although this relationship is still low. This means that student engagement in school activities cannot depend on only the school environment. There are a host of other factors that influence student engagement which the school authority needs to know and utilize in order to improve student engagement. Management of USE schools should provide for counseling and guidance services as well as supporting the integration of values in schools. The Government should construct good libraries and provideup-to-date learning materials like textbooks plus any other reading materials. Government shouldalsorecruit experienced and quality teachers into the USE schools, as well as constructing modern science laboratories to support the teaching of science disciplines.
Open Access
Effect of Education Investment on Citizen Democratic Satisfaction and Living Conditions in Africa: A National Survey for Uganda.
(Kabale University, 2024) Sekiwu, Denis; Adyanga, Francis Akena; Romm, Norma RA
Education spending is essential for the advancement of society since it can capacitate people to participate in economic, social, and political life while propelling socio-economic development. However, Sub-Saharan Africa continues to experience economic decline and democratic inadequacies despite large investments in education. This calls for a critical assessment of their effects on society broadly. Therefore, using a sample of 1200 respondents from the national Afrobarometer survey, this study investigates the relationship between democratic satisfaction, education investment, and living conditions in Uganda. The results show that there is a general lack of satisfaction with the investment made in education, particularly among less educated and rural communities. Higher education is inversely correlated with better living conditions and democratic satisfaction, according to bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models. These findings highlight the need for all-encompassing educational approaches that are geared toward raising living standards and citizen contentment with democracy.
Open Access
Effects of accessibility and adequacy of technical vocational education and training equipment on acquisition of employable skills in Uganda. A case of Uganda Technical College - Elgon.
(Kabale University, 2024) Wanda, Herbert; Edoru, John Michael
The Government of Uganda has continued to establish and equip public Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institutions in the country. However, despite the initiatives, learners have continued to join the industry and claimed to have inadequate employable skills. This poses the question of whether the equipment utilized is adequate and accessed by learners to acquire employable skills. This paper therefore examined the access and adequacy of TVET equipment in Technical Colleges. A descriptive survey design utilizing quantitative and qualitative approaches of research was conducted, with a sample size of 100 learners and 5 instructors were selected. A simple random sampling technique to choose learners responded to the questionnaires and purposive selection of instructors for focus group discussions. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used to run descriptive analyses, ordinal regressions, and frequency distribution. Findings on adequacy show that 77% of the learners are availed of equipment not relevant to their program and spend little time practicing on the equipment. In conclusion, TVET equipment was inadequate with limited time spent on practicum, and recommended that Government institutions should undergo into memorandum of understanding with the industry to enable learners to adequately access practice experience on modern equipment relevant to their training.
Open Access
Effects of Universal Primary Education on Completion Rates of Pupils in Primary Schools in Isingiro District.
(Kabale University, 2023) Ngabirano, Ziporah; Adyanga, Francis Akena; Ocan, Johnson
Introducing UPE worldwide led to a surge in enrolment rates in most countries, which often overwhelmed and exceeded the capacity of education systems. Severe constraints such as a shortage of teachers and school materials led to overcrowding in Uganda, the student-teacher ratio moved from 37.6 million in 1996 to 59.4 million in 1997. Dropout rates also increased and survival rates sunk from 59% to 37%. Notable is that promoting a nation's social and economic growth depends on universal primary education. This article investigated the universal basic education policy and the primary school completion rates of pupils in Isingiro District in South Western Uganda. A secondary data review and a qualitative research approach were the study's compasses. Document analysis was done, data from articles reports, and research done by different scholars was collected to identify and examine relevant themes associated with the effect of UPE on completion rates in primary schools of the Isingiro district. The main conclusion was that the introduction of UPE in primary schools of the Isingiro district did not have an observable positive change in the completion rates at the end of primary seven as compared to when UPE was not yet introduced to the Ugandan education system.
Open Access
Employing Data Mining Techniques and Machine Learning Models in Classification of Students’ Academic Performance.
(Kabale University, 2024) Hussein, Alkattan; Alhumaima, Ali Subhi; Oluwaseun, Adelaja A.; Abotaleb, Mostafa; Mijwil, Maad M.; Pradeep, Mishra; Sekiwu, Denis; Bamwerinde, Wilson; Turyasingura, Benson
The study deals with the use of data mining techniques to build a classification model to predict students' academic performance. The research indicates that the use of machine learning models and data mining methods can reveal hidden patterns and relationships in big data, making them indispensable tools in the field of education analysis. Special emphasis was placed on the use of algorithms such as decision trees. The study includes an analysis of factors that affect students' academic performance such as previous academic achievement in educational activities, as well as social and psychological factors. Classification models were applied using the KNIME platform and the WEKA tool to analyze students' performance in three courses: database technology, artificial intelligence, and image processing in the ICT degree program. The results showed that the use of decision trees can effectively classify students' performance and determine the success and failure rates. The cruel outright mistakes, RMS errors, and relative supreme mistakes all showed 0% whereas the kappa esteem obtained from the analysis extended between 0.991 and 1.00 which significantly concurs with most statistical values.
Open Access
Epidemiology and causes of common soccer injuries during university games in Uganda
(Kabale University Interdisciplinary Research Journal (KURJ), 2022) Olive, Tusiime; Eunice, Kateshumbwa; Milton, Chebet
The study sought to establish the common soccer injuries, their causes and management among Busitema University athletes. The study used a cross-sectional survey design involving quantitative and qualitative approaches on a sample of 76 respondents, obtained by simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Data was collected by use of selfadministered questionnaires, an observational tool and interview guide. Quantitative data analysis involved generation of descriptive statistics; frequencies, percentages and means. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. The study established that the common injuries were ligament sprain or strains (56.6%) and re-injuries (55.1%). Dry and hard grounds, joint instability, bad playing field conditions, inadequate treatment/ rehabilitation from previous injury, exercise overload/ over training, poor skill execution, poor training techniques and player neglect caused the injuries. It was recommended that quality playing fields and equipment, providing players with adequate attention and advocating for full implementation of fair play rules should be fostered to abate sports injuries.
Open Access
Epidemiology and Causes of common Soccer injuries During University Games in Uganda
(Kabale University, 2022) Tusiime, Olive; Kateshumbwa, Eunice; Chebet, Milton
The study sought to establish the common soccer injuries, their causes and management among Busitema University athletes. The study used a cross-sectional survey design involving quantitative and qualitative approaches on a sample of 76 respondents, obtained by simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Data was collected by use of selfadministered questionnaires, an observational tool and interview guide. Quantitative data analysis involved generation of descriptive statistics; frequencies, percentages and means. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. The study established that the common injuries were ligament sprain or strains (56.6%) and re-injuries (55.1%). Dry and hard grounds, joint instability, bad playing field conditions, inadequate treatment/ rehabilitation from previous injury, exercise overload/ over training, poor skill execution, poor training techniques and player neglect caused the injuries. It was recommended that quality playing fields and equipment, providing players with adequate attention and advocating for full implementation of fair play rules should be fostered to abate sports injuries. Keywords: Sports Injuries, Soccer Injuries, Sports Accidents, University Football
Open Access
Exam and knowledge-based educations in Uganda: A comparison of concepts. A case of Lango sub region, Northern Uganda
(International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, 2018) Eton, Rehema; Andrew Peter Yiga; Solomon Asiimwe Muchwa; Fabian, Mwosi; Eton, Marus
The argument that today’s graduates were more theoretical than practical has been dominating the educational sectors in the country. The study sought to investigate the role of Exam and Knowledge-based Education on students’ Professional Competence in tertiary institutions in Lango subregion, Northern Uganda. A sample of 111 respondents was chosen from the respondents and the response rate was 100%. The study found out that Learners and instructors view education as merely passing examinations. In this view, instructors teach only what is related to exams, leaving out the core concepts that would build on knowledge and life skills that are required in the world of work. Giving much attention to exams and the nature of examination has underscored the role of teaching, prompting many education stakeholders to engage in examination malpractice The study recommended that Universities and higher education institutions should collaborate with employers and curriculum developers to ensure that whichever knowledge and skills universities and higher education institutions provide are in direct line with what employers need from employees. National Council for higher Education (NCHE), the organ responsible for accreditation of university and other tertiary institutions’ academic programs should collaborate with stakeholders, particularly employers before approving institutions and university programs. It’s high time that universities and higher education institutions design programs that are demand-driven than academic-driven. National examination boards should stop recycling questions, a practice that has made students and learners to correctly hypothesize what is likely to appear in an external examination. Education institutions should shift from handouts that promote cram work to handouts that promote understanding.
Open Access
Experiences and Challenges of the Integrated Development Model on Job Creation in Rwanda’s Gasabo District.
(Kabale University, 2025) Rutarindwa, Alphonse; Ocan, Johnson; Adyanga, Francis Akena
This study proposes to explore the experiences and challenges of the integrated development program model on job creation in Rwanda’s Gasabo District. The study aims to understand how this model contributes to job opportunities, economic empowerment, and community development within the district. In terms of methodology, the study adopted a mixed methods approach. The study combined qualitative and quantitative research techniques. Surveys quantified the extent of job creation, while interviews explored the perceived social and economic impacts on the local population, including challenges encountered in implementing this model. The results revealed that implementing the integrated development model (IDM) in the Gasabo District reveals significant positive outcomes, particularly in healthcare, infrastructure, and financing initiatives for women and youth. High approval ratings were noted for health centre establishment (M = 4.90, SD = 0.43) and infrastructure improvements (M = 4.70, SD = 0.71), underscoring their critical roles in economic development. Job creation showed promise, with small-scale business initiation with a mean score of 4.66 although challenges in income diversification persisted (Mean = 3.84, St. dev = 1.26). A strong correlation (R = 0.807) was found between various predictors and job creation, with skills development emerging as a significant predictor (B = 0.149, p < .001). The study concluded that the integrated development program model promoting job creation in Gasabo District where the R Square value of 0.651 indicates that approximately 65.1% of the variance in job creation can be attributed to the implementation of the Integrated Development Model (IDM) in the Gasabo District. Limitations: the limitations of the study include potential biases in self-reported data and the geographical limitation to Gasabo District, which may not fully capture the national context. Contribution: The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of integrated development program models in job creation and provide policy recommendations for enhancing these interventions. By highlighting the role of community-based interventions, this research can provide a scalable model for other districts in Rwanda and beyond. Importantly this research increased insights into how integrated development program models can address unemployment and promote sustainable economic growth.
Open Access
Exploring the Root Causes of Low Household Income among Smallholder Farmers in Kamuli District, Busoga Region, Uganda.
(Kabale University, 2024) Lubaale, Ronald Gideon; Ocan, Johnson; Adyanga, Francis Akena
This study investigated the root causes of low household incomes among smallholder farmers in Kamuli District, Busoga Region, Uganda. Employing a mixed methods approach, the research integrated quantitative and qualitative data collection methods to comprehensively explore the factors influencing household income. The study population comprised 100 smallholder farmers and 20 key informants, totaling 120 respondents. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling were used to select respondents. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS, and reliability statistics indicated a high level of internal consistency among survey items. Qualitative data was analyzed by using thematic analysis. The findings revealed significant challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Kamuli District. These challenges were categorized into agricultural production practices and technologies, institutional factors and market dynamics, and environmental factors and shocks. Limited adoption of modern agricultural practices, poor market access, and climate variability emerged as key impediments to income generation. Possible strategies to address these challenges were identified, including the adoption of modern agricultural practices, investment in training and extension services, infrastructure improvements, access to credit, and establishment of farmer cooperative associations. These strategies aimed to enhance agricultural productivity, market access, and resilience to environmental shocks. The study underscored the interconnectedness of challenges faced by smallholder farmers and emphasized the need for integrated interventions involving technological innovations, institutional reforms, and climate adaptation measures. Collaboration among stakeholders was essential to implement effective solutions and promote sustainable development in agricultural communities. By addressing the root causes of low household income, this study sought to contribute to poverty reduction and food security in Kamuli District and beyond.
Open Access
Exploring Undergraduate Research Projects Success Factors in Muni University, Uganda
(Interdisciplinary Journal of Education Research, 2021) Nicholas, Nkamwesiga; Phelix, Businge Mbabazi; Ritah, Nafuna
This paper presents the success factors for undergraduate research projects (URPs) at Muni University. The objectives of the study were to determine the relevant skills required for the success of URPs and investigate the roles of students, supervisors and faculty towards the success of URPs. The study used a crosssectional design to collect data from 70 third-year (final year) students who belonged to the two (2) faculties of science and technoscience. The participants were selected using the purposive sampling technique since they belonged to the section of the students’ population that had undergone the execution of the URPs. SPSS-v.21 program was used to determine the reliability of the research instrument and analyse the collected data using the frequencies, percentages and median of the parameters that formed the constructs of the study. The research instrument was reliable at Chronbach’s alpha 0.9038. Results showed that research environment, research management, personal effectiveness, communication, networking and teamwork skills are paramount to the success of URPs. The study also found out that the key stakeholders (students, supervisors and faculty) perform their roles throughout the project period. However, there is a need to have a mechanism for project tracking, filing complaints, and having URPs externally examined, among others.
Open Access
External Support and Demographic Factors as Differentials of Achievement Goal Orientation among Adolescent Students in Resource-Limited Environments.
(Kabale University, 2024) Ndyareeba, Eunice; Biirah, Judith; Kasawo, Henry Kibedi; Zanna, Clay
This study unveils demographic factors (age, gender, school type, compassion support, parental education, income) as correlates of achievement goal orientation. Using a convergent parallel mixed methods approach, the study investigated the influence of these demographic characteristics on achievement goal orientation among 510 adolescent students aged 12-21 (231 males, 279 females) in secondary schools in Southwestern Uganda. Using the Achievement Goal Questionnaire (AGQ-R) Scale and key informant interview guide, achievement goal orientation preferences and the influence of external support were respectively measured. Qualitative findings revealed teacher-student relationships, goal-setting training, defined external rewards, and peer pressure as critical factors that influence achievement goal orientation choice. Kruskal Wallis and Mann- Whitney U test results revealed that parents' income and education level, students' school type, and external support influenced achievement goal orientation preference among adolescent students in southwestern Uganda. In conclusion, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interconnectedness of these variables, offering valuable insights to enrich educational interventions, especially in resource-limited learning environments. This study contributes to the ongoing efforts to increase the adoption of achievement goal orientation that results in self-skill enhancement through targeted and effective educational interventions.
Open Access
Facilities management and quality of teaching and learning at a multi- campus public university in Uganda
(International Journal of Educational Policy Research and Review, 2020) Eden, Akategeka; Denis, Sekiwu; Frederick, Ssempala
This is an account of a cross-sectional survey of how facilities management relates to the quality of teaching and learning in Busitema University, a multi campus model public University in Uganda. The study employed a mixed methods approach involving semi-structured questionnaires and interviews with a population of 506 and a sample of 223 participants in the categories of University top managers, deans of faculties, heads of department, academic, administrative, support staff and students’ leaders. The findings are that the quality of teaching and learning was good (M = 47.5 and SD = 7.45). Second, facilities management in the University was also good (M = 40.3 and SD = 6.72). Third, a significant relationship existed between facilities management and the quality of teaching and learning (r = .577, p<0.05) with (R2 =0.333). Fourth, several challenges affected facilities management and these included limited funding, incompetent staff, unaffordable maintenance costs, delayed response to facilities management among other challenges. The argument that facilities management has a significant relationship with the quality of teaching and learning is in consonance with the stage theory of Higher Education development that argues that with massification in higher education, there is stress on facilities hence, affecting the quality of teaching and learning. Recommendations advanced were that Managers of Busitema University should make effort to promote the quality of teaching and learning, improve facilities management and work to solve challenges of facilities management.