The demand for quality higher education in Uganda has fueled a surge in private universities seeking charters from the Government, with the number of chartered institutions increasing from 11 in 2023 to 19 in 2025, according to the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
The new status allows these universities to offer not only undergraduate courses, but also master’s and doctoral programmes. Among the chartered universities are Uganda Christian University, Nkumba University, Kampala International University, Ndejje University, Bugema University, Bishop Stuart University, Kampala University, ISBAT University, African Bible University, Victoria University, International University of East Africa, Muteesa I Royal University, Islamic University in Uganda, Uganda Martyrs University, University of Kisubi, and Africa Renewal University.
To cope with this growth, Government has commenced the expansion of NCHE headquarters. The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, on Friday launched the construction of a UGX 23 billion facility in Kyambogo. The expansion will create more space for staff, laboratories, and research facilities, aligning with the ministry’s five-year plan to modernise education infrastructure.
Mrs. Museveni likened the project to the Biblical story of Nehemiah, saying:
“Just as this stone anchors the structure we are building, NCHE’s work anchors the quality and credibility of higher education in Uganda.”
She added that the new facility would include a research and innovation hub to support advanced research, innovation incubation, and partnerships with industries.
Legal Overlaps and TVET Act Concerns
Despite the progress, challenges remain in harmonising regulatory mandates. NCHE chairperson Prof. Joy Kwesiga warned of possible double regulation of institutions following the enactment of the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act, 2025, which also grants accreditation powers to the TVET Council.
“This overlapping of mandates will lead to inefficiencies, confusion, and potential conflicts in the regulatory framework, ultimately impacting the quality and effectiveness of higher education,” Prof. Kwesiga cautioned.
She urged the Ministry of Education to provide clear guidance to institutions, especially chartered universities and non-TVET programmes, to avoid duplication and protect the integrity of qualifications.
Why Expansion Was Necessary
According to Prof. Mary Okwakol, the NCHE executive director, the current office space had become inadequate due to the growth in higher education and recruitment of additional staff. In some cases, the library had to be converted into offices, highlighting the urgency of expansion.
The granting of a charter is governed by the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, 2001. A university operating on a provisional license must apply to NCHE, which evaluates and inspects the institution before recommending it to the minister. The minister then forwards the recommendation to the President, who has the final authority to issue the charter.
With the growing number of chartered universities, Uganda’s higher education sector is positioning itself to provide broader opportunities for academic progression and research, reinforcing its contribution to national development.
