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PhD Public Defense by Mr. Hilary Sserubidde
December 18 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
INVITATION:
The Dean, East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development under the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), cordially Invites you to a PhD Public Defense of the following candidate:
Name of the Candidate: Mr. Hilary Sserubidde
Title of Thesis:
The Higher Education Students’ Financing Scheme and Equitable Access to University Education in Uganda
Date: Thursday 18th December 2025.
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Venue:
Curriculum Building, Room 127.
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the effect of the Higher Education Students Financing Scheme on equitable access to university education in Uganda. Guided by the social inclusion theory and the neoliberal perspective on equity, the study focused on the effect of loan administration, distribution and recovery mechanisms on equitable access to university education in Uganda. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was employed. Data was collected through closed-ended questionnaires from 222 loan beneficiaries randomly selected from four universities. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics at the univariate level and Pearson’s correlation with linear regression at the bivariate level. Results revealed moderate, significant positive relationships between equitable access to university education and loan administration (r=0.642, p<0.001), distribution (r=0.254, p<0.001), and repayment (r=0.448, p<0.001). These findings suggest that although the Higher Education Students Financing Scheme contributes to improving equitable access to university education, gaps remain that could hinder its effectiveness. Therefore, it is recommended that the Ministry of Education and Sports under the Higher Education Students Financing Department should enhance information dissemination to prospective applicants, ensure fairness in loan allocation across gender, disciplines, and regions, and develop proactive strategies to improve loan repayment to prevent student over-indebtedness.
Supervisors:
- Dr. David Onen
- Dr. Irene Etomaru
Doctoral Committee:
1.Professor. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga
2.Professor. Julius Kikoma
Your presence and participation will be highly appreciated as we support the student in this important academic milestone.