The contribution of student leaders to the leadership and management of institutions of higher learning in Uganda: a case study of Makerere University

Abstract

Institutions of higher learning are expected to develop their students for future leadership. However, few empirical investigations have been conducted thus giving impetus to this research. The purpose of this study was to explore the contribution of student leaders to the leadership and management of Makerere University, Kampala. Data for the study was collected from the Dean of Students, 3 ·wardens, and 43 student guild leaders using questionnaires and interview guide. It was computed using SPSSlO and analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. the objective of this study was to explore the role of student leaders towards the smooth leadership of the University. Among the findings was that student leaders' involvement in the policy formulation and the management of student affairs ensures good representation, commitment to decisions taken, and offers a healthy leadership environment in the University. The study concludes that the interest of the students once not represented can be costly so involving them means reducing the costs and events like strikes . ...,.. Therefore, it is recommended that more research should be done on the role of student leadership causing student unrests in Institutions of Higher Learning. This study should be done because the present study indicated that sometimes students Involvement in policy implementation is counterproductive. A similar study should be conducted in a Private University because the present study was done in a Public University therefore its conclusions may not be validly generalized to the Private University setting.