ABOUT UGANDA West of Kenya in Eastern Africa, Uganda enjoys a fertile environment watered by multiple surrounding lakes and rivers. A country rich in natural resources, agriculture accounts for 82% of the workforce. From colonial rule to dictatorship control, to the present non-party elective system, Uganda has experienced some setbacks in economic stability that, with the help of international agencies and foreign countries, they are working to rehabilitate. Of the 28 million people who inhabit Uganda, only 69.9% are literate.
The Pathways to Higher Education program in Uganda conducted research on marginalized populations in East Africa's universities, including rural residents and women. The research investigated equitable access for women to universities and retention rates within universities in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. The research showed that policies should be revisited or created to support women from rural areas in all aspects of academics, particularly math and science. Steps should be taken to increase the retention of current students as well as outreach to prospective students.
The research has been widely distributed and has enabled a range of universities to share lessons and deepen awareness around this work. As a result, there is a growing understanding that institutions must change to accommodate and keep marginalized students.
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