Factors affecting the academic performance of university students in Uganda: a case study of School of Statistics and Planning at Makerere University

Abstract

The topic of the study was “Factors affecting the academic performance of University students in Uganda”. Using School of Statistics and Planning at Makerere University as a case study, emphasis was put on trying to establish the relationship between parental background, culture and academic performance of 2nd year and 3rd year students at SSP Makerere University. The study used primary data which was collected by administering questionnaires to 136 students from five courses at SSP, these include BsQE, BBS, BSTAT, BSAS and BPS. The analysis was carried out using STATA version 15 at a 5% level of significance and Pearson’s Chi-square method from which the variables like peer group influence, students’ behavior, parent’s education level and parent’s employment status were significant factors that affect academic performance whereas parent’s employment status, a student’s age and a student’s gender were not significant. From the study findings therefore, the government through the Ministry of Education and Sports should put up more scholarships and loan schemes to financially support students from less privileged families during their academic journey at the University.