Kyambogo University (KYU) is a public higher learning institution in Uganda and one of the country’s largest universities by student population. It was created in 2003 through the merger of three major institutions:
- Uganda Polytechnic Kyambogo (UPK) – tracing its roots to 1928 as Kampala Technical School, later Uganda Technical College.
- Institute of Teacher Education, Kyambogo (ITEK) – started as a government teacher training college in 1948, became a national teachers’ college in 1954, and later ITEK by Act of Parliament in 1989.
- Uganda National Institute of Special Education (UNISE) – originally part of Makerere University’s Department of Special Education, became autonomous in 1998.
This merger positioned KYU as Uganda’s center of excellence in vocational training, teacher education, and special needs education, while also expanding into engineering, science, business, and social sciences.
Motto: Knowledge and Skills for Service
Type: Public University
Established: 2003 (by the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, 2001)
Chancellor: John Ssebuwufu
Vice-Chancellor: Prof. Elly Katunguka
Administrative Staff: 488
Students: 33,000+ (2021)
Address: Kyambogo Road, Kampala, Uganda
Coordinates: 00°21′00″N 32°37′48″E
Campus: Urban, Kyambogo Hill, Kampala
Website: Kyambogo University Homepage
Location
KYU is situated on Kyambogo Hill, about 8 km east of Kampala’s central business district, making it easily accessible from the capital.
Coordinates: 0°21′00″N, 32°37′48″E
Organization and Administration
KYU operates through six faculties, six schools, and one institute:
- Faculties
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Special Needs & Rehabilitation
- Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Schools
- School of Built Environment
- School of Vocational Studies
- School of Computing and Information Science
- School of Education
- School of Art and Industrial Design
- School of Management and Entrepreneurship
- Institute
- Institute of Distance Education, E-Learning, and Learning Centres
Notable Alumni
- Royals: William Gabula (4th Kyabazinga of Busoga).
- Politics: Henry Bagiire (Minister of State for Agriculture, 2011–2016), Charles Bakkabulindi (Minister of State for Sports since 2005), Rukiya Chekamondo (State Minister for Privatisation, 2006–2011), Lukia Isanga Nakadama (Minister of State for Gender and Culture since 2006), Brenda Nabukenya (MP, Luwero District), Daniel Kidega (Speaker, East African Legislative Assembly).
- Academia: Hannington Sengendo (Vice-Chancellor, Nkumba University), Arthur Sserwanga (Vice-Chancellor, Muteesa I Royal University, 2014–2017).
- Business: Anatoli Kamugisha (founder, Akright Projects), Richard Musani (marketing manager, Movit Products Ltd).
- Entertainment: Joanita Kawalya and Rachael Magoola (Afrigo Band), Irene Ntale (singer), Rema Namakula (musician), Milka Irene (actress & politician).
- Sports: Stella Chesang (World Mountain Running Champion, 2015), Henry Malinga (basketball), Susan Muwonge (rally driver & teacher), Brian Umony (footballer, KCCA FC & Uganda Cranes).
- Other Fields: Diana Nkesiga (Vicar, All Saints’ Cathedral, Nakasero), Julius Ocwinyo (poet and novelist), Kazawadi Papias Dedeki (Engineer, President of Federation of Africa Engineering Organizations).
Notable Faculty
- John Ssebuwufu – Chancellor since 2014
- Elly Katunguka – Vice-Chancellor since 2014
- Senteza Kajubi – Principal of Kyambogo Institute of Higher Education (1986–1990)
- Venansius Baryamureeba – Assistant Lecturer (1995–1996)
- Edward Rugumayo – Lecturer (1968–1969)
- Sam Joseph Ntiro – Academic staff
- Elvania Namukwaya Zirimu – Lecturer & writer
Distinctive Features
- Known as Uganda’s hub for teacher education and vocational studies.
- Houses one of the country’s largest student bodies (33,000+).
- Strong programs in engineering, agriculture, special needs education, and social sciences.
- Produces many national leaders, teachers, and professionals across Uganda and East Africa.
