Kampala University (KU) is one of Uganda’s leading private chartered universities, established in 1999 and accredited by the Uganda National Council for Higher Education (UNCHE) in 2000. Guided by the motto “We Strive for Excellence,” KU has grown into a respected center for higher education, offering certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs. With over 10,000 students and multiple campuses across Uganda, the university provides accessible education to a diverse population.
Location and Campuses
As of 2021, Kampala University operates six campuses strategically located across the country:
- Ggaba (Main Campus): Located in Makindye Division, 12 km southeast of Kampala’s central business district.
- Old Kampala Campus: Just 2.5 km west of Kampala’s CBD, offering urban access to higher education.
- Masaka Campus: Situated 137 km southwest of Kampala, extending services to southwestern Uganda.
- Luweero Campus: Located 65 km north of Kampala along the Kampala–Gulu Highway.
- Mutundwe Campus: Based in Ssabagabo, Wakiso District, 8 km southwest of central Kampala.
- Jinja Campus: Found 81 km east of Kampala on the Kampala–Jinja Highway.
These campuses make KU one of the most geographically accessible universities in Uganda.
History
Founded in 1999 by Prof. Badru Dungu Kateregga (the current Vice-Chancellor) and other scholars, KU was envisioned as an affordable and accessible alternative to public universities. In March 2012, the university graduated 2,048 students, including those awarded master’s degrees and postgraduate diplomas. Today, KU continues to expand its academic and research programs to meet Uganda’s educational demands.
KU is also affiliated with The East African University (TEAU) in Kitengela, Kenya. Prof. Kateregga serves as chairman of TEAU’s board of trustees, strengthening regional academic ties.
Academic Structure
Kampala University has seven constituent faculties, each offering specialized programs:
- Faculty of Industrial Art and Design – Ggaba Campus
- Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology – Ggaba Campus
- Faculty of Business and Management – Ggaba Campus
- Faculty of Natural Sciences – Ggaba Campus
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences – Ggaba Campus
- Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences – Mutundwe Campus
- Faculty of Filmmaking – Kampala Film School, Ggaba
Programs
KU offers a wide range of programs at certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels:
- Graduate Programs: Master of Business Administration, Master of Public Health, Master of Development Studies, Master of Information Technology, Master of Social Work, Master of Diplomacy and International Relations, and more.
- Undergraduate Degrees: Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Industrial Art and Design, Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management, Bachelor of Public Administration, Bachelor of Mass Communication, Bachelor of Nursing, and several others.
- Diplomas: Offered in Business Administration, Computer Science, Public Administration, Political Science, Guidance and Counseling, Social Work, and Industrial Art & Design.
- Certificates: Available in fields such as Computer Science, Business Administration, Tourism & Hotel Management, Human Resource Management, and Environmental Management.
Conclusion
Kampala University stands out as one of the most diverse and accessible private universities in Uganda. With its multi-campus system, broad academic offerings, and regional affiliation with The East African University in Kenya, KU continues to contribute to Uganda’s higher education sector. By training professionals in fields ranging from business and IT to health sciences and arts, the university plays a vital role in shaping Uganda’s workforce and supporting national development.
