Quality Curriculum and Perceived Service Delivery in Private Universities in the Central Region in Uganda
Francis Sengendo, Micheal Mawa & Frank Pio Kiyinji
Nkumba University, Uganda
Email: sengendofrancis2016@gmail.com
Abstract: This study investigated the relationship between curriculum quality and perceived service delivery in private universities in Uganda’s Central Region. Despite the establishment of the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in 2003 and the introduction of quality assurance frameworks and several statutory instruments to enable institution establish and maintain strong internal quality assurance mechanisms, concerns persist regarding outdated curricula, weak responsiveness to labor market needs, and declining quality of services in private universities . Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 190 respondents, including students, academic staff, administrators, and quality assurance officers from four private universities. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, regression, and Structural Equation Modeling, complemented by thematic analysis of qualitative responses. Results revealed a very strong positive correlation (r = .820, p < .001) between curriculum quality and perceived service delivery. Regression analysis confirmed that curriculum quality significantly predicted service delivery (B = 0.805, SE = 0.041, t = 19.51, p < .001), explaining 67% of the variance (R² = .672). These findings highlight curriculum quality as a pivotal driver of service delivery perceptions, with weaknesses noted in stakeholder consultation, research integration, and community engagement. The study concludes that enhancing curriculum relevance and responsiveness is central to improving institutional credibility, service delivery, and stakeholder satisfaction. It recommends institutionalizing stakeholder-informed quality assurance models, linking accreditation to service delivery metrics, and prioritizing continuous curriculum evaluation to strengthen higher education outcomes in Uganda.
