The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) has approved three new programmes, including Bachelor of Laws, to be taught at Victoria University.
In a July 12 letter to Victoria University vice-chancellor Lawrence Muganga, NCHE executive director Mary Okwakol said the fast-growing institution of higher learning can start teaching Law courses as well as Bachelor of Events and Hospitality Management and Diploma in Events and Hospitality Management.
"I am pleased to inform you that after due consideration, Council at its 76th Meeting of 10th July 2024, under Min. 607/76/2024 accredited the academic programmes indicated below for the specified admissible number of students and the stated accreditation period with effect from July 10," Prof Okwakol said.
Victoria University received the green light to admit 81 students per year to the Law degree programme for the next nine academic years.
An elated Dr Muganga described the accreditation as "great news" and invited prospective law students to apply for the programme.
"Ugandans are invited to join Victoria University and become part of the esteemed legal fraternity," he said.
"Our innovative LLB programme goes beyond traditional legal education, offering additional expertise in digital mastery and AI proficiency."
The institution was already teaching the Law degree programme and the accreditation comes in as a timely development to facilitate award of degrees.
However, NCHE warned under section 119(A) of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, Victoria University must not run any academic programmes that it has not accredited.
"Please urge your staff members to implement these programmes in accordance with the regulations of NCHE," Prof Okwakol said.
"Officers of the NCHE shall review the implementation during their periodic administrative and monitoring visits to your institution."
This was the first time in nearly 10 years that NCHE is accrediting an institution of higher learning to teach Law programmes.
Victoria University becomes the 12 institution of higher learning accredited to award Bachelor of Laws Degree in the country after Makerere University, Uganda Christian University, and Kampala International University.
Others are Nkumba University, Islamic University in Uganda (both Mbale and Kampala campuses), Uganda Pentecostal University, St Augustine University Kampala, Bishop Stuart University, Gulu University, and Cavendish University.
