Research higher degree completion rates in African universities are relatively low. Most graduate research students complete their degrees outside the stipulated degree completion time. The study attempted an investigation of the underlying causes of this state of affairs using the case study of the oldest university in East and Central Africa, Makerere University. The study was guided by three themes; institutional factors, student-based factors and supervisor-related factors. The study findings suggest that the student research administration architecture is not supportive of timely...