Factors leading to reduced female student enrolment in tertiary institutions in Uganda: A case of selected institutions in Kampala District

Abstract

The focus of this study was on the factors leading to reduced female student enrollment in selected tertiary institutions. The main objectives of this study were threefold: the effect of school environment factors on female student enrollment; the contribution of family-related factors on female student enrollment; and the extent to which economic factors affect female student enrollment in selected tertiary institutions in Kampala district. Two main sources of data namely primary and secondary were used in this study. The primary data was collected through questionnaires and interviews from a sample of respondents. The secondary source was through journals, textbook and annual reports. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS -V18) and presented in descriptive and analytical statistics which included the Pearson correlation co-efficient and regression analysis to determine the relationships between the factors and female enrollment. This case study reveals significant positive relationships between institutions related factors, family factors, economic factors and female enrollment. The results from the regression analysis further confirmed that institutions related factors, family factors and economic factors had a determinant effect on female enrollment. It was concluded that improvements in institutions related factors, family factors, economic factors was necessary to enhance female enrollment in tertiary institutions. Therefore, the study recommends the followings: that management of tertiary institutions provides a more conducive working environment for girls, promote good relationships with female students and put in place the necessary infrastructure.