Assessment of factors influencing academic performance of female students in Uganda certificate of education examinations in Manafwa Town council, Manafwa District, Uganda.

Abstract

This study assessed factors influencing female students' academic performance in the Uganda certificate of education examinations in Manafwa Town Council in Manafwa District. The purpose of the study was to find out the factors responsible for poor academic performance. The study sought to find out the influence of parental, cultural and school factors respectively on the academic performance of female students. The study was conducted through a descriptive survey research design. Data was collected from 282 respondents using questionnaires and interview techniques. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS computer software (Version 20) to generate frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data analysis was done through thematic content analysis. The study employed self- administered questionnaires to 183 senior four female students, 43 teachers and 5 head teachers. The number of respondents who were interviewed included 45 parents, 5 Local council one chairperson and 1 District inspector of schools. The findings revealed that academic performance of female students in Manafwa town council was poor because of parents’ failure to play their roles, domestic chores and lack of scholastic materials. The study concludes that poor academic performance of female students, is as result of parents’ failure to play their roles, shortage of teachers and lack of counselling and guidance to students. It is recommended that recommends that parents should endeavour to meet their parental obligations and allow enough time to their daughters while at home to do private reading to improve their academic performance. The Government should also equip the schools with necessary teaching/learning resources to avert the poor academic performance in Manafwa town council in Manafwa district.