Uganda has a mix of public and private universities, and choosing well matters because your degree must be recognised by employers, professional bodies and, if you plan to study abroad later, by foreign universities. This guide lists universities in Uganda by town, with official website links, so you can check programmes, fees and admission requirements yourself. It is a starting point, not a complete list, and campuses and programmes change, so always confirm on the university website.
How to check that a university is genuine
Universities in Uganda are regulated by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE). A genuine university holds a charter or licence, and its programmes are accredited. Before you pay any fee, check the NCHE website for the institution and the specific programme. Avoid institutions that cannot show accreditation or that promise degrees in unusually short periods.
How admission works
Undergraduate applicants normally apply directly to each university. Government sponsorship at public universities is competitive and based on UACE results through the joint admissions process, while private sponsorship means you pay tuition. Requirements depend on the programme, for example science and health courses need particular subject combinations, which our Uganda subject combination matcher tool can help you explore. Postgraduate applicants apply to the university or the specific school with transcripts and references.
Universities by town
Kampala and surroundings
- Makerere University (public): Uganda’s oldest and largest university, with colleges covering health sciences, engineering, computing, law, agriculture, education and humanities.
- Makerere University Business School (public): focuses on business, management, entrepreneurship and related fields, at Nakawa.
- Kyambogo University (public): known for teacher education, special needs education, engineering and technical programmes.
- Kampala International University (private): offers health sciences, law, business and engineering with a large international student community.
- Cavendish University Uganda (private): programmes in business, law, health sciences and information technology.
- Uganda Technology and Management University (private): technology, management and applied programmes.
- Victoria University (private): business, IT and social sciences programmes.
- Uganda Christian University (private): main campus in Mukono, with programmes in law, education, business, theology and social sciences.
- Uganda Martyrs University (private): main campus at Nkozi, with a focus on ethics, development studies, agriculture and business.
- Nkumba University (private): located near Entebbe, offering business, law, education and other programmes.
Mbarara and the western region
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology (public): strong in medicine, health sciences, science and technology.
- Bishop Stuart University (private): education, business, science and other programmes in Mbarara.
- Kabale University (public): programmes in education, science, business and development in Kabale.
Gulu and the northern region
- Gulu University (public): medicine, agriculture, environment, peace and strategic studies.
- Lira University (public): health sciences and related programmes in Lira.
- Muni University (public): science, education and technology programmes in Arua.
Mbale, Tororo, Soroti and the eastern region
- Busitema University (public): multi-campus university with programmes in engineering, agriculture, natural resources and health.
- Islamic University in Uganda (private): main campus in Mbale, offering education, law, business and health programmes.
- Soroti University (public): science and technology focused university in Soroti.
Luweero
- Ndejje University (private): education, business and other programmes at Ndejje.
Tips for choosing
- Compare programme accreditation, fees and entry requirements, not only the university name.
- Check where your course is actually taught, because some universities have several campuses.
- Look at graduate outcomes and professional registration, for example for health, law or engineering.
- Visit the campus or speak to current students if possible.
Frequently asked questions
Is a public university always better?
Not necessarily. Quality varies by programme. Compare the course, staff and accreditation.
Can international students apply?
Yes. Check the international admissions page of each university for fees and requirements.
How do I find scholarships?
Browse the Scholarza scholarships directory and check each university website for funding.
This list is for guidance and is not an endorsement or ranking. Links go to official websites. If you find an error or a broken link, please contact us. See our Disclaimer.