Staff Representation and Its Political Implication on Democracy in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Uganda

The article examines the influence of representative politics on democracy in higher education institutions (HEIs). The study aimeds to determine the Influence of representative politics on democracy in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Uganda. A qualitative approach was supported by a longitudinal design to collect data in two HEIs - Makerere University and Uganda Management Institute - from November 2009 to April 2015. Results revealed that aspirants had both personal and constituent-related desires as pushing factors for them to stand for elective positions. Ideological pursuits, academic achievements, personal gains and friendship with aspirants were also identified as motivating factors. The study was guided by the Theory of Rational Choice and Bandura’s Model of reasoned action.The paper comes to the conclusion that representative politics did not advance the values of accountability and responsiveness as sought in democratic institutions, but rather served the personal interests of representatives in HEIs. Representative politics in higher education institutions has not enhanced ideals of accountability and responsiveness as desired in democratic institutions, but rather, served personal interests of some individuals, because the flow of information was not reciprocal. In other words, intentions of the actors were found to be as diverse as the people who participate in representative politics themselves.