The relationship between cost-sharing and equity in the national major seminaries in Uganda

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between cost-sharing and equity in the national major seminaries in Uganda. The specific objectives were: I. To investigate the proportion and arguments of those who complain against cost-sharing. 2. To establish the effect of cost-sharing policies and rationales on perceived equity. 3. To establish the effect of cost-sharing policies and rationales on vocations. A cross-sectional survey research design, involving both qualitative and quantitative approaches, was used in carrying out this study. The data was collected from Katigondo and Ggaba National Major Seminaries, using questionnaires and interviews. The total number of residents were 150, including 122 students, 26 members of staff, and the two heads of the institutions. Data analysis employed methodological triangulation which involved the use of frequency counts, the technique of chi-square test of independence, and the pattern-model analysis of qualitative methodology. The findings indicated that the proportion of those who complain against cost-sharing was rather small, but the arguments they put forth for their position were generally strong. The cost-sharing policies and rationales, which had been hypothesized to influence perceived equity and vocations, were not found to be significantly associated with any of these phenomena. But the trend of opinion generally indicated that cost-sharing is likely to impact negatively on the involvement of candidates from the poor or rural backgrounds. It was then concluded that although the proportion of those who complain against cost-sharing was small. the issues entailed in their arguments have to be addressed. Since the research hypotheses were not supported by the findings, they were rejected. It was recommended that the few stakeholders who complain against cost-sharing should be persuaded to perceive the scheme more favourably and that the management of the cost-sharing scheme should address the powerful arguments advanced against cost-sharing. A second recommendation was that, instead of policies and rationales, other factors which influence perceived equity should be studied in order to understand clearly their influence. It was lastly recommended that a seminary fund should be levied from all members of the church in order to relieve the financial austerity, and that the management of the cost-sharing scheme should design strategies to assess the financial situation of the families and consider embracing mechanisms of need-based concessions, or exemptions or even financial assistance.