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While research-led universities emphasise the importance of knowledge production in diverse fields, there is a paucity of research on the nature of scientific knowledge and researchers’ motives in research-led sub-Saharan African universities. This empirical study drew on lead researchers’ perspectives and documentary evidence to examine the nature of and motive for academic research across disciplinary fields in Uganda’s Makerere University. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and triangulated with document checks. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and Hakala and Ylijoki’s knowledge production framework was employed as an analytical lens. The findings show that, despite the fact that researchers at Makerere University are generating knowledge that is useful to policymakers, civil society, the corporate sector and society at large, the emphasis is on scientific research that can be published in refereed journals so as to earn promotion. Furthermore, knowledge production takes place in a highly institutionalised and resource-constrained environment, resulting in the donor community setting the research agenda. Based on these findings, it is recommended that universities rethink the promotional assessment model, diversify research funding and apply more selective criteria in collaborating with donors. about the authors: muhamadi kaweesi1 Senior Lecturer, Department of Educational Management and Administration, Islamic University in Uganda, Mbale, Uganda. Email: Ahmedkaweesi98@gmail.com ronald bisaso Associate Professor, Senior Lecturer and Dean, East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda betty akullu ezati, Associate Professor, Senior Lecturer and Dean, School of Education, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda 2011; Ylijoki et al., 2011; Laursen et al., 2008; Hakala and Ylijoki, 2001; Nowotny, Scott, and Gibbons, 2001). These works conceptualise such research in terms of its social relevance and as a catalyst for innovation. They also note that academic research yields knowledge that informs policy making and that it promotes the professional development of academic staff. However, they were conducted in Europe and the US where Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and the research they conduct are better endowed by government than those in developing countries. The funding challenges confronting sub-Saharan African universities are likely to impact on the nature of and motive for undertaking academic research, resulting in different orientations from those of Western universities. Furthermore, most studies on academic research in sub-Saharan African universities tend to focus on donor approaches to research funding, collaboration, capacity building, productivity, and the broader challenges relating to research capacity (Blom, Lan, and Adil, 2016; Kasozi, 2016; Musiige, 2014; Altbach, 2013; Mouton, 2010). A research gap thus exists in relation to how resource dependence may shape the nature of and motive for the research conducted at such institutions. This study sought to fill this gap by focusing on Makerere University. 3. Analytical Framework Hakala and Ylijoki’s (2001) knowledge production framework was adopted as the analytical framework to holistically explore the nature of and motive for academic research at Makerere University. The framework focuses on the intentions and audience of academic research. Its elements were articulated as sub-themes to aid analysis and interpretation of the findings. The framework is presented in Table 1 below. Table 1. Analytical Framework Research Orientation (Nature of Knowledge) Target Market Audience (Motive for research) Academic/basic (Theoretical) Academic market Scientific community (Gaining reputation) Civil society (Practical) Public market Ordinary people (Improving practices) State-government (Instrumental) Policy market Decision-makers ( Supplying information) Entrepreneurial (Making profit) Corporate market Market forces (Commercial) Source: Derived from Hakala and Ylijoki (2001) the nature of and motive for academic research 3 2

The Nature of and Motive for Academic Research in Higher Education: a sub-Saharan African Perspective