EXAMINING THE ROLE OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN ASSESSMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN UGANDA

This study explores the role of the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in the assessment and regulation of higher education institutions in Uganda. Established in 2002, the NCHE has played a crucial role in enhancing the quality of higher education through accreditation, policy formulation, and institutional evaluation. The research examines the processes and strategies employed by the NCHE in assessing educational standards, focusing on accreditation procedures, quality assurance mechanisms, and the alignment of higher education outputs with national development goals. Through qualitative analysis, including interviews with key stakeholders and review of NCHE reports, this study investigates the effectiveness of the Council's interventions in improving the quality of education and ensuring compliance with national and international standards. The findings highlight both the achievements and challenges faced by the NCHE in fostering a dynamic, competitive, and globally relevant higher education sector in Uganda.