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Institutional Commitment to Community Engagement: A Case Study of Makerere University

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  • Henry Mugabi

Abstract

Although the earliest medieval universities began as teaching-only institutions, the university as an institution has since experienced revolutions in the way its functions are conceived. Currently, the university embraces three functions- teaching, research and community engagement. Although the teaching and research functions of the university are much more established than its third function, the importance of community engagement is acknowledged in the academic literature and, to varying degrees, by governments, higher education agencies and universities. For example, a review of the mission statements of Ugandan universities shows that, besides teaching and research, the universities aspire to contribute to the socio-economic transformation of society. Unfortunately, such assertions reveal little about the actual commitment of the universities to community engagement because there is a dearth of literature about community engagement at African universities. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to examine the institutional commitment of Ugandan universities to community engagement. However, the discussion will focus on a single university, Makerere University. Data was generated through document reviews and qualitative semi-structured interviews. The review shows that the university (1) recognises community engagement as one of its core functions; (2) has integrated some aspects of community engagement into its curriculum and policies; and (3) has organisational structures and personnel to organise and provide community related activities and services. Nonetheless, community related activities remain largely unsupported and the contributions of the faculty to community engagement are insufficiently rewarded. Key words- Higher education; institutional commitment; community engagement; Uganda; Makerere University

Suggested Citation

  • Henry Mugabi, 2015. "Institutional Commitment to Community Engagement: A Case Study of Makerere University," International Journal of Higher Education, Sciedu Press, vol. 4(1), pages 187-187, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:jfr:ijhe11:v:4:y:2015:i:1:p:187
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Richard Heaver, 2005. "Strengthening Country Commitment to Human Development: Lessons from Nutrition," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 7310, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Opolot Henry Nakelet & Isubikalu Prossy & Obaa Bonton Bernard & Ebanyat Peter & Okello Dorothy, 2017. "Assessment of Experiential Learning and Teaching Approaches in Undergraduate Programmes at the School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University, Uganda," International Journal of Higher Education, Sciedu Press, vol. 6(5), pages 155-155, October.

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    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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