Muteesa Royal I University granted charter

President  Museveni has granted Muteesa I Royal University (MRU) a charter.

This follows the Mengo-based university’s application for the charter through the National Council of Higher Education (NCHE).

According to a March 13 letter, by NCHE executive director Mary Okwakol addressed to MRU’s vice chancellor, the President has approved the university’s application.

“I am pleased to inform you that following your application for grant of a Charter. H.E the President of the Republic of Uganda has approved and granted Muteesa I Royal University a Charter,” Prof Okwakol’s letter reads.

“Please note that the Charter will be presented to the Uganda Gazette for purposes of publication…National Council of Higher Education congratulates you upon this achievement.”

According to a communique by Museveni seen by the Nile Post, the President granted the Charter on March 11, 2024.

Following this major milestone, the Katikkiro of Buganda Kingdom, Charles Peter Mayiga commended the university management for efforts in securing the Charter.

“The news of the grant of a Charter to Muteesa I Royal University as received with joy. I extend my appreciation to the University Council; management; and the National Council for Higher Education, for undertaking the required processes leading to the award,” Mayiga said.

"I thank the President for effecting the legal requirement by appending his signature when the charter was presented before him."

MRU was established when ownership of Uganda Technical College, Masaka, was transferred from the government to Buganda Kingdom in 2007.

Accredited by NCHE, in 2007, the university is named after Muteesa I of Buganda, a former Kabaka of Buganda in the late 19th century.

Obtaining a charter for any private university means that it lays out guidelines for the institution's establishment, control, management, and administration.

According to the Universities and other Tertiary Institutions Act, a charter is evidence that the university meets the requirements and standards of academic excellence set by the NCHE.

For any private university, a charter lays out guidelines for; the establishment, control, management and administration of the institution.

Currently, Uganda has more than 60 universities, including nine of public universities, and the others in the category of degree awarding institutions.