In a significant milestone for legal education in Uganda, five universities have been newly accredited to offer law degrees, bringing the total number of recognized institutions to 19. The latest additions include Victoria University, Kabale University, Metropolitan International University, Uganda Technology and Management University (UTAMU), and Ndejje University.
The announcement was made in a document signed by George Omunyokol, Chairperson of the Committee on Legal Education and Training under the Law Council, and reflects the updated list as of May 6, 2025.
For any university in Uganda to offer law as an academic program, it must first obtain accreditation from both the Law Council and the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE). This dual-layer vetting ensures that institutions meet the necessary academic, infrastructural, and staffing standards required for legal training.
The full list of accredited institutions now includes:
- Makerere University, Kampala
- Kampala International University, Kampala
- Nkumba University, Entebbe
- Uganda Christian University, Mukono
- Uganda Pentecostal University, Fort Portal
- Islamic University in Uganda, Mbale
- Islamic University in Uganda, Kibuli (Kampala)
- Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara
- King Ceasor University, Kampala
- Cavendish University, Kampala
- Gulu University, Gulu
- International University of East Africa, Kampala
- Islamic University in Uganda, Kabojja (Kampala)
- Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi
- Kabale University, Kabale (new)
- Metropolitan International University, Kampala (new)
- Victoria University, Kampala (new)
- Uganda Technology and Management University (UTAMU), Kampala (new)
- Ndejje University, Luweero (new)
This expansion comes at a time when demand for legal education is on the rise, driven by increasing interest in justice, governance, and human rights advocacy among Uganda’s youth.
Education experts have lauded the move, noting that it could increase accessibility to legal education across various regions, particularly with the inclusion of upcountry institutions like Kabale and Ndejje.
The Law Council has, however, cautioned all universities—old and new—to maintain rigorous academic standards and ethical training, reminding them that accreditation is both a privilege and a responsibility.
As more institutions join the league of law schools, stakeholders hope the development will deepen the reach and relevance of legal education in Uganda, and ultimately strengthen the justice system across the country.
