Globalisation, Cultural Integration, and Curriculum in Higher Education Institutions in Uganda: A Comprehensive literature review

The 21st century has witnessed intensified globalization, reshaping higher education worldwide through the rapid exchange of knowledge, technology, and ideas. In Uganda, globalization presents both opportunities and challenges as universities seek to align curricula with international standards while preserving cultural identity and indigenous knowledge systems. This study critically examines the dynamic interplay between globalization, cultural integration, and curriculum development in Ugandan higher education institutions (HEIs). Grounded in Sociocultural Theory (Vygotsky, 1978), which emphasizes the social and cultural contexts of learning, a systematic literature review was conducted, synthesizing empirical and theoretical studies published between 2019 and 2025. Using thematic analysis, the review identified emerging trends, challenges, and strategies shaping curriculum reform in Ugandan HEIs. Findings reveal that globalization has stimulated curriculum innovation and international benchmarking but also exposed tensions between global academic models and local cultural realities. The evidence highlights the necessity for hybrid curriculum models that integrate global competencies with indigenous epistemologies to enhance relevance, inclusivity, and sustainability. Cultural integration emerges as a critical mediator, enabling HEIs to contextualize curricula, foster intercultural understanding, and strengthen institutional-community linkages. Despite growing scholarly attention, significant research gaps persist regarding theoretical contextualization, mechanisms for embedding indigenous knowledge, and the development of sustainable curriculum implementation frameworks. The study concludes by proposing strategies for enhancing policy coherence, institutional collaboration, and culturally responsive pedagogy, advocating for a more balanced and context-sensitive approach to curriculum internationalization in Uganda’s higher education system.