Here is a table of the Top 20 Universities in Uganda along with their tuition fees for 2024-2025:
Top 20 Universities in Uganda (2024-2025)

Rank | University Name | Type | Tuition Fees (UGX per semester) | Location |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Makerere University | Public | 1.2M – 5M | Kampala |
2 | Kyambogo University | Public | 1.1M – 3.5M | Kampala |
3 | Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) | Public | 1.5M – 4M | Mbarara |
4 | Gulu University | Public | 1M – 3M | Gulu |
5 | Busitema University | Public | 1.3M – 3M | Eastern Uganda |
6 | Muni University | Public | 1M – 2.5M | Arua |
7 | Soroti University | Public | 1M – 3M | Soroti |
8 | Lira University | Public | 1M – 2.5M | Lira |
9 | Kabale University | Public | 1.5M – 4M | Kabale |
10 | Uganda Management Institute (UMI) | Public | 2M – 5M | Kampala |
11 | Uganda Christian University (UCU) | Private | 1.5M – 4M | Mukono |
12 | Kampala International University (KIU) | Private | 1.8M – 5M | Kampala |
13 | Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) | Private | 1.2M – 3.5M | Mbale |
14 | Uganda Martyrs University | Private | 1.5M – 4M | Nkozi |
15 | Nkumba University | Private | 1.5M – 4M | Entebbe |
16 | Ndejje University | Private | 1.3M – 3.5M | Luweero |
17 | Cavendish University Uganda | Private | 1.8M – 5M | Kampala |
18 | Victoria University Uganda | Private | 2M – 5M | Kampala |
19 | Bugema University | Private | 1.2M – 3M | Luweero |
20 | St. Lawrence University (SLAU) | Private | 1.5M – 4M | Kampala |
Detailed Description of the Top 20 Universities in Uganda
1. Makerere University
Makerere University is Uganda’s oldest and most prestigious university, established in 1922. It offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, medicine, business, and humanities. It has consistently ranked as one of the best universities in Africa.
2. Kyambogo University
Kyambogo University is a public university that was established in 2003 following the merger of three institutions. It is known for its teacher training programs, engineering, and technical courses.
3. Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST)
Founded in 1989, MUST is a leader in medical and health sciences education in Uganda. It has a strong focus on research and innovation, especially in healthcare.
4. Gulu University
Located in northern Uganda, Gulu University was founded in 2002. It aims to provide education for post-conflict recovery and economic transformation, offering programs in business, medicine, and agriculture.
5. Busitema University
Busitema University, established in 2007, specializes in engineering, technology, agriculture, and environmental sciences. It has multiple campuses across Uganda.
6. Muni University
Muni University, the youngest public university in Uganda, was established in 2012. It is located in the West Nile region and focuses on science, technology, and information systems.
7. Soroti University
Founded in 2015, Soroti University is one of the latest additions to Uganda’s higher education system. It focuses on health sciences, technology, and teacher education.
8. Lira University
Lira University was established in 2015 to serve northern Uganda. It specializes in medicine, business, and education.
9. Kabale University
Initially a private university, Kabale University became a public institution in 2016. It is known for programs in business, education, and technology.
10. Uganda Management Institute (UMI)
UMI is a public institution that offers postgraduate courses in business administration, public policy, and management. It is popular among government officials and corporate leaders.
11. Uganda Christian University (UCU)
UCU, a private university founded in 1997, has its main campus in Mukono. It offers programs in law, business, theology, and education.
12. Kampala International University (KIU)
KIU is one of the largest private universities in Uganda, with a strong presence in East Africa. It has a medical school and is known for its business and law programs.
13. Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU)
Founded in 1988, IUIU serves the Muslim community but is open to all students. It has campuses in Mbale and Kampala and offers programs in Islamic studies, business, and medicine.
14. Uganda Martyrs University
This private university, affiliated with the Catholic Church, was founded in 1993. It offers programs in education, health sciences, business, and theology.
15. Nkumba University
Established in 1994, Nkumba University is a private institution that offers courses in business, social sciences, and education.
16. Ndejje University
Ndejje University is one of the oldest private universities in Uganda, founded in 1992. It is affiliated with the Anglican Church and is known for its business, IT, and engineering programs.
17. Cavendish University Uganda
Cavendish University, founded in 2008, is an international private university with strong business, law, and IT programs.
18. Victoria University Uganda
Victoria University is a modern private university located in Kampala, offering business, IT, and health sciences courses.
19. Bugema University
Bugema University is a Seventh-day Adventist institution that offers programs in business, education, and theology.
20. St. Lawrence University (SLAU)
SLAU is a private university in Kampala that offers programs in business, IT, and social sciences.
Conclusion
Uganda has a diverse higher education system with both public and private universities offering quality education in various fields. Makerere University remains the most prestigious, while institutions like Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) and Uganda Christian University (UCU) continue to gain recognition for their research and academic programs. The tuition fees vary, with public universities generally being more affordable compared to private universities.
If you need further details about a specific university or course, feel free to ask!