The willingness of students to participate in the general elections: a case study of Makerere University

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to assess the willingness of students to participate in the general elections. The population under study included the students in Makerere university. In order to determine the sample size, a convenience sampling technique was used in this study. The sample size consisted of 80 respondents. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design with a quantitative approach. This was appropriate for gathering data from a large sample at a single point in time, which facilitated comparisons and analysis of variable relationships. It also engaged the use of structured online questionnaires that were pilot tested in order to ensure that there was data validity as well as reliability. The online questionnaires were filled in by the respective respondents and later the descriptive statistics was generated for instance the pie charts. The results were then presented in tables. Looking at the study findings, it revealed that that majority of the respondents had undertaken the humanities course (35%), the second group of the respondents were those in technology (22.5%), those in business studies (15%) and engineering (13.75%) were also part of the study. Lastly the medical (7.50%) and natural sciences (6.25%) students also were part of the study and responded to questions accordingly. Year two (36.25%) followed by year three (27.50%) had the majority of the respondents, followed by those in year one (16.25%) and year four (11.25%). A few of respondents from year five (8.75%) were reached out to because of their low participation in the different political activities. Hostels (37.50%) and university halls (33.75%) had the majority of respondents residing from there followed by those commuting from home. A few respondents were observed renting around campuses (7.50%). On whether respondents participate in protests and demonstrations, most of the respondents 33 (41.25%) agreed and 18 (22.50%) disagreed on the same. Only 9(11.25%) strongly disagreed and 20(25.0%) strongly agreed. This implies that there is majority of the respondents participate in protests and demonstrations. On whether respondents participate in campaigning and voting different, 41(51.25%) and 19 (23.75%) agreed and strongly agreed respectively. Only 6 (7.5%) strongly disagreed and 14(17.50%) disagreed. On whether respondents understand and have the knowledge on political systems and the subsequent processes, majority of the respondents disagreed 29 (36.25%) and strongly disagreed 19(23.75%) while only 9 (11.25%) strongly agreed and 23 (28.75%) agreed. This implies that majority of the participants are not well knowledgeable with political systems and process. According to the research findings, it was concluded that willingness of students and demographic and institutional factors significantly affect political participation of students at Makerere University. This implies that the higher the education level, age, community engagements, political affiliation, the more the number of students that participate in politics and elections. Makerere University needs to provide high-quality service-learning opportunities for students, that is, service learning that supports the development of autonomy, responsibility, confidence, decision-making and planning skills in young people, and provides plentiful opportunities for in-class discussion and reflection, Provide citizenship education courses that require students to discuss and analyse politics and political issues in relationship to contemporary events. Furthermore, support students in formulating their own views about social and political issues after considering a diversity of perspectives and opinions on those issues and as well allow students to express their own opinions even when their opinions differ from those of other students and from those of the teacher.