Effect of neo-colonialism on the education system of Uganda: A case of Kampala District

Abstract

The thrust of this study was hinged on the investigation of three major issues; the influence of neo-colonialism on educational curriculum design of Kampala District, the influence of neo-colonialism on educational policy of Kampala District and also, the influence of neo-colonialism on the educational management of Kampala District. A cross-sectional survey research design was used in the study and the focus of the study was put on the curriculum designers, policymakers and administrators and secondary teachers in Kampala District. The sample population which was used included 50 curriculum designers from National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC), 50 policymakers and administrators from Ministry of Education who were selected randomly using purposive sampling and 200 secondary teachers who were also randomly selected. The researcher used chi-square test for independence to analyze data which was collected. The study findings showed that neo-colonialism had a significant influence on educational curriculum design of Kampala District. The study also showed that, there was a significant influence of neo-colonialism on the educational policy of Kampala District. The findings also showed that there was a significant influence of neo-colonialism on the educational management of Kampala District. From the study, it was concluded that educational curriculum design of Kampala District do not fully suit the needs of local people because it is influenced by neo-colonialism which makes the indigenous people benefit less compared to the western world, then educational policies of Kampala District do not fully suit the needs of local people because it is influenced by neo-colonialism which makes the western world to benefit more than the indigenous people. It was also concluded that educational management of Kampala District do not fully suit the need of local people because it is influenced by neo-colonialism which makes the western world benefit more than the indigenous people. Three types of recommendations were made. The first one dealt with; the government should review, revise or update the current courses and programmes where necessary and make them more relevant to the local needs of Kampala District, the second recommendation dealt with; the ministry of education and sports should put up local committees at village level to study and tender advice to the educational policy makers if the local needs of Kampala District is to be catered for. The third recommendation dealt with; the government should mobilize local resources by encouraging the exploration of wildlife resources through tourism, continued exploration of the existing mineral potentials and controlling indiscriminative fishing methods to ensure sustainability and continuity of the fishing industry. By doing this the government will be able to get money and liberate the education system of Kampala District from the chains of neo-colonialism and manage it according to the local needs.