Abstract

Pathways for developing leadership skills among middle level academics in private universities is a study that has examined the challenges faced by private universities in Uganda, by looking at documents, reports and data sets including participant observation. The role of middle level academics and administrators has become a focal point in higher education owing to the state of change in education sector and the very important tasks and functions middle level management perform in universities. The rapid growth of private universities in Uganda since 1988 presents enough and adequate reason for this study as maintenance of standards and
proper refocusing of higher educational goals becomes important. The questions this study answered are: what are the staffing levels and quality of middle level academics in private universities in Uganda, in terms of their number and qualification; what are the determinants of best practices in leadership at middle level academics in private universities in Uganda? In the course of reviewing available literature, data sets and collaborating with participant observation, findings show that private universities in Uganda engage quite a number of unqualified middle level academics with little or no experience because most of them either possess Master’s
degree or are fresh graduates. Private universities in Sub-Saharan African countries generally and those in Uganda particularly seem to rely on inexperienced middle level administrators and academics lacking capacity in leadership and therefore lacking leadership skills because of the gap in experience for such challenging positions. Also observed is that most private universities in Uganda do not adhere to standards set by National Council for Higher Education rules and guidelines. It is also most likely, from the findings, that they do not refer to Universities and Other Tertiary Education Act,2001, (revised 2014), in their practices even though the structures, indicators and regulations are specified in their university charter. The study recommends interventions in form of leadership skills training for middle level academics and administrators in private universities by NCHE, Uganda. Close monitoring is also recommended in order to maintain quality and standards for global competitiveness This is very crucial for private sector particularly, considering the
rate of proliferation of private universities in Uganda.