Educational Incentives and Graduate Employment Rates in Uganda: An Action Research Study

Educational incentives have been implemented in various countries to improve educational outcomes and reduce dropout rates among students. In Uganda, these incentives are often provided as scholarships or financial aids for tertiary education. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews with quantitative data analysis from government education records and surveys conducted among recent graduates. The findings indicate that the provision of financial incentives significantly increases graduate employment rates by up to 30% when compared to graduates who did not receive such incentives. Themes emerged around the preference for incentive types, including scholarships over grants, with students preferring immediate cash benefits over deferred payments. This research provides evidence supporting the effectiveness of educational incentives in enhancing post-graduation employment rates among Ugandan students. Based on these findings, policymakers should consider adjusting current incentive schemes to better align with student preferences and needs, thereby maximising their impact.