Why are University-Community Partnerships Failing? Evidence from the case of the Bachelor of Industrial and Fine Art Program at Makerere University

Abstract

In many parts of the world, the development of meaningful partnerships between universities and their communities has become an important strategic development objective. Subsequently, over the last three decades, a significant body of literature has emerged on university-community partnerships (UCPs). However, review of this literature leads to the conclusion that unfortunately, in many instances, the objectives for which UCPs are being implemented are not being realized. Although UCPs seek symbiotic relationships that are mutually beneficial to the participating universities and communities, there are reports that benefits are skewed in disfavor of the communities. As well, concerns have been expressed that, in many instances, would-be UCPs exhibit attributes of community outreach rather than those of community engagement. Why is this the case and what needs to be done to make UCPs work? This paper reports the findings of a study that attempted to respond to this question, taking the case of the Bachelor of Industrial and Fine Art Program at Makerere University.