Financing a public university: strategic directions for Makerere University in Uganda
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Date
2009
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Journal of Higher Education in Afric
Abstract
Public universities all over the world are continually facing challenges arising
from increasing expectations from government and the public for universities
to serve the broader needs of society. This has impacted the universities’
ability to offer their core functions of teaching and learning, research and
outreach. This paper reviews the current resource allocation models, reforms
and developments of higher education in Uganda. Despite the available
options of funding strategies (donor contributions, government support
and the Appropriation in Aid [AIA]), Makerere University still faces the
dilemma of unfinished business. It was thus established that the block
allocation model currently used by Makerere University, which is based on
fixed percentages to units, has led to a lack of co-ordination of services in
the university. This has led to the difficulty in supporting university-wide
services. This paper attempts, therefore, to provide strategic directions for
Makerere University in ensuring effective resource allocation and
prioritisation of the University budget in accordance with its core functions.
The paper does so by suggesting restructuring from the current percentagebased budgeting to activity-based budgeting and expenditure allocation
where the budgets clearly outline the activities expected in the various
units for the financial year.
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Citation
Magara, E. (2009). Financing a public university: strategic directions for Makerere University in Uganda. Journal of Higher Education in Africa/Revue de l'enseignement supérieur en Afrique, 7(3), 61-86.