Choosing where to train as a nurse or midwife is one of the biggest decisions a Ugandan school-leaver will make, and the single most important filter to run every option through is accreditation. This guide brings together the full, UNMC-verified list of the best nursing schools in Uganda, sorted by accreditation status, ownership type, and programme offered, so you can shortlist confidently instead of guessing.
PAY ATTENTION: AFRICANNURSES is in WhatsApp Channels now! Subscribe and read news in favourite messenger
Below you’ll find the complete roster of government, faith-based, private, and university nursing training institutions recognized by the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council (UNMC), what “full” versus “provisional” accreditation actually means for your certificate, admission requirements, expected salaries after graduation, and a step-by-step application checklist.
Note: Accreditation status should always be verified directly with the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council (UNMC) and the institution before applying, as approvals may change over time.
Nursing Education System in Uganda
Nursing training in Uganda runs along three main academic pathways, and knowing which one fits your goals is the first step before comparing the best nursing schools in Uganda.
- Certificate level (2–3 years): Enrolled Nursing or Enrolled Midwifery certificates, typically requiring at least five O-Level passes. This is the entry point offered by most district and mission hospital-based schools.
- Diploma level (3 years): Comprehensive Nursing, Midwifery, Public Health Nursing, or Psychiatric Nursing diplomas, open to A-Level graduates or certificate holders progressing via the “extension” track.
- Degree level (3–4 years): Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Midwifery, offered by universities such as Makerere, Mbarara, and Busitema, with Master’s-level specialization available at a handful of institutions.
Many schools also run extension and e-learning programmes that let working nurses upgrade from certificate to diploma level without leaving employment, which is worth checking if you’re already practicing.
Types of Nursing Schools’ Accreditation Status by UNMC
Every institution on this list falls into one of two accreditation categories, and the distinction genuinely matters for your future registration as a nurse.
- Full Registration: The school has met all UNMC infrastructure, staffing, curriculum, and clinical-placement standards on a permanent basis. Graduates face no extra hurdles when registering to practice.
- Provisional License: The school is approved to operate and enroll students but is still meeting specific UNMC benchmarks, often related to tutor staffing, lab equipment, or clinical attachment capacity, and is reviewed periodically until it qualifies for full status.
Provisional status is not a red flag on its own; many well-run schools start here while scaling up facilities. But it’s still worth asking the school directly about its renewal timeline before enrolling.
What Is UNMC Accreditation and Why Does It Matter?
The Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council (UNMC) is the statutory regulator responsible for licensing nursing and midwifery training institutions and registering graduates to practice legally in Uganda. A school’s UNMC status determines three practical things for any applicant comparing the best nursing schools in Uganda: whether your certificate or diploma will be recognized for professional registration, whether you can sit UNMC licensing exams after graduation, and whether employers, public and private hospitals alike, will accept your qualification. Training at an unaccredited or lapsed-license institution can leave graduates unable to register, which makes checking current status non-negotiable before you pay a single shilling in fees.
Why Study Nursing in Uganda
Uganda’s healthcare system has a persistent shortage of trained nurses and midwives relative to its population, which keeps demand for qualified graduates high both locally and across the East African region, as well as in international markets that recruit Uganda-trained nurses. Tuition at government-run schools is markedly lower than private alternatives, clinical placements happen at real regional referral and mission hospitals rather than simulated settings, and the UNMC’s licensing framework gives graduates of accredited schools a credential that travels; many go on to work in Kenya, the Gulf states, and the UK after further verification. For students weighing career stability against training cost, nursing remains one of the more dependable professional routes available in the country.
15 Best Nursing Schools in Uganda With Full Accreditation
These institutions all hold Full Registration with UNMC, spanning government, faith-based, private, and university ownership. This is the shortlist most counselors point to when asked to name the best nursing schools in Uganda.
| S/N | School | Programmes Offered | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mulago School of Nursing and Midwifery | Diploma in Nursing (Direct & Extension); Diploma in Midwifery (Extension & E-learning) | Government |
| 2 | Makerere University Department of Nursing | Master of Nursing Science (Midwifery); Bachelor of Nursing Science | University |
| 3 | Mbarara University Department of Nursing | Bachelor of Nursing Science; Master of Nursing Science | University |
| 4 | Jinja School of Nursing and Midwifery | Diploma in Nursing; Diploma in Midwifery; Diploma in Paediatric Nursing; Certificate in Comprehensive Nursing | Government |
| 5 | Butabika School of Psychiatric Nursing | Diploma in Mental Health Nursing (Direct & Extension); Certificate in Mental Health Nursing | Government |
| 6 | Nsambya School of Nursing and Midwifery | Diploma in Nursing & Midwifery (Direct & Extension); Certificate in Nursing & Midwifery | Faith-based |
| 7 | Mengo School of Nursing and Midwifery | Diploma in Midwifery (Extension); Diploma in Nursing (Extension); Certificate in Midwifery & Nursing | Faith-based |
| 8 | Mulago Health Tutors’ College | Bachelor of Medical Education; Diploma in Medical Education (Nursing & Midwifery) | Government |
| 9 | Lacor School of Nursing and Midwifery | Diploma in Nursing; Diploma in Midwifery; Certificate in Nursing & Midwifery | Faith-based |
| 10 | Mutolere School of Nursing and Midwifery | Diploma in Nursing (Extension & Direct); Diploma in Midwifery (Extension); Certificate in Nursing & Midwifery | Private |
| 11 | Villa Maria School of Nursing | Certificate & Diploma in Nursing; Certificate & Diploma in Midwifery | Faith-based |
| 12 | Uganda Christian University, Mukono | Master of Nursing Science (Education); Bachelor of Science in Nursing | University |
| 13 | Busitema University | Bachelor of Nursing Science | University |
| 14 | International Health Sciences University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Diploma in Nursing | University |
| 15 | Kagando School of Nursing and Midwifery | Diploma in Nursing (Direct & Extension); Diploma in Midwifery (Extension); Certificate in Midwifery | Faith-based |
READ ALSO: 20 Best Nursing Schools in Kenya (2026 Guide): How to Apply, Admission Requirements and Fees
10 Best Nursing Schools in Uganda With Provisional Accreditation
These schools are currently operating under a Provisional License, a normal early stage for newer or expanding institutions, but one worth confirming directly with the school before applying.
| S/N | School | Programmes Offered | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hoima School of Nursing | Certificate in Nursing; Certificate in Midwifery | Government |
| 2 | Bugongi College of Nursing & Midwifery | Certificate in Nursing; Certificate in Midwifery | Faith-based |
| 3 | Mukono Diocese School of Nursing & Midwifery | Certificate in Nursing; Certificate in Midwifery | Faith-based |
| 4 | Access School of Nursing & Midwifery | Certificate in Nursing; Certificate in Midwifery | Private |
| 5 | Bweyale School of Nursing & Midwifery | Certificate in Nursing; Certificate in Midwifery | Private |
| 6 | DAF School of Nursing & Midwifery | Certificate in Nursing; Certificate in Midwifery | Private |
| 7 | Good Samaritan School of Nursing & Midwifery | Certificate in Nursing; Certificate in Midwifery | Private |
| 8 | King James School of Nursing & Midwifery | Certificate in Nursing; Certificate in Midwifery | Private |
| 9 | Kumi School of Nursing & Midwifery | Certificate in Nursing; Certificate in Midwifery | Private |
| 10 | Uganda Nursing School Bwindi | Diploma in Nursing; Certificate in Nursing; Certificate in Midwifery | Faith-based |
List of Best Universities Offering Nursing in Uganda
If a degree-level path is your goal, the university tier is where the strongest research output and clinical partnerships tend to sit. Based on academic and research performance rankings for nursing, here are the leading universities offering nursing degrees in Uganda, each with what it teaches, where it sits, why applicants pick it, and roughly what it costs. Fee figures below are estimates per semester for Ugandan/East African students, pulled from published university fee structures; always confirm the current figure directly with the admissions office, since fees are revised yearly.
1. Makerere University
Location: Kampala. Uganda’s oldest and largest public university, founded in 1922, and the top-ranked institution in the country for nursing research output. Its Department of Nursing sits within the College of Health Sciences, directly attached to Mulago National Referral Hospital and Butabika National Referral Hospital. Programmes offered: Bachelor of Nursing Science; Master of Nursing Science (Midwifery). Why study here: Unmatched clinical exposure at Uganda’s two largest national referral hospitals, the strongest research reputation of any nursing programme in the country, and a degree recognized well beyond Uganda’s borders. Estimated fees: Around UGX 2,044,000 per semester for Ugandan/East African students (roughly UGX 4.1 million per year), plus functional and accommodation fees.
2. Mbarara University of Science and Technology
Location: Mbarara. A public university founded in 1989, ranked second nationally for nursing, built around a strong biomedical and clinical science focus. Its nursing programme trains through Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. Programmes offered: Bachelor of Nursing Science; Master of Nursing Science (multiple tracks). Why study here: A smaller, more competitive cohort than Makerere, strong regional referral hospital placements, and a reputation for producing clinically confident graduates. Estimated fees: Broadly comparable to Makerere’s public-university band, roughly UGX 1.6–2.4 million per semester for Ugandans; confirm the current figure with the university’s admissions office, as published rates vary by year and intake.
3. Kampala International University (KIU)
Location: Main campus in Kampala, with a Western Campus in Bushenyi/Ishaka. A large private university founded in 2001 with one of the highest acceptance rates on this list, making it a realistic option for a broader range of applicants. Its Western Campus trains nursing students through Ishaka Hospital. Programmes offered: Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Diploma in Nursing; Certificate in Comprehensive Nursing. Why study here: Multiple entry points (certificate through to degree), a comparatively accessible admission bar, and a large, well-established health sciences faculty. Estimated fees: Roughly UGX 1.3–2.2 million per semester for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, depending on campus and intake.
4. Gulu University
Location: Gulu, with placements at Gulu and Lira Regional Referral Hospitals. A public university founded in 2002, ranked fourth nationally for nursing, with its midwifery programme run out of a dedicated Department of Midwifery. Programmes offered: Bachelor of Science in Midwifery. Why study here: A focused, specialist midwifery degree rather than a general nursing programme, strong for students set on midwifery specifically, with clinical placement across two regional referral hospitals in northern Uganda. Estimated fees: In line with public-university rates, roughly UGX 1.4–2.0 million per semester for Ugandans.
5. Busitema University
Location: Busitema, Tororo, with clinical placement at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. A public university founded in 2007, ranked fifth nationally for nursing and holding Full Registration with UNMC. Programmes offered: Bachelor of Nursing Science. Why study here: A newer public university with a competitive, low acceptance rate, suited to students who want a public-university price point with strong regional referral hospital training. Estimated fees: Roughly UGX 1.3–1.9 million per semester for Ugandan/EAC students.
6. Kyambogo University
Location: Kampala. A public university formed in 2002 through the merger of three former institutions, with a long history in education and technical training that now extends into health sciences. Programmes offered: Nursing and allied health education programmes. Why study here: A strong fit for students interested in combining nursing training with a teaching or health-education specialization, given the university’s education-focused heritage. Estimated fees: Roughly UGX 1.2–1.8 million per semester for Ugandan students, in the typical public-university range.
7. Uganda Martyrs University
Location: Nkozi, with programmes also run from a Kampala campus. A private, Catholic-founded university established in 1989, one of Uganda’s oldest private universities, with a broad health sciences offering. Programmes offered: Nursing and health sciences programmes. Why study here: A faith-based learning environment with a long institutional track record, appealing to students who want a private-university structure without the highest private-tier price tag. Estimated fees: Roughly UGX 1.5–2.5 million per semester, typical of established private universities.
8. Uganda Christian University (UCU)
Location: Mukono, with clinical placement at Kawolo Hospital, Mulago National Referral Hospital, and Mukono-area health centers. A private, Anglican-founded university dating back to 1913 as an institution, offering one of the more academically ambitious nursing programmes on this list, up to Master’s level. Programmes offered: Master of Nursing Science (Nursing Education); Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Why study here: A clear pathway from bachelor’s to master’s level within the same institution, faith-based campus culture, and diversified clinical placements across three different facilities. Estimated fees: Roughly UGX 1.8–2.8 million per semester for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
9. Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU)
Location: Mbale, with clinical placement at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. A private university founded in 1988 with support from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, offering nursing training through its dedicated School of Nursing. Programmes offered: Diploma in Nursing (Direct); Diploma in Midwifery; Certificate in Comprehensive Nursing. Why study here: A faith-based, internationally-linked institution with a relatively high acceptance rate and multiple entry levels for students who aren’t chasing a full bachelor’s degree immediately. Estimated fees: Roughly UGX 1.0–1.8 million per semester for diploma-level nursing programmes.
Other notable university options with full UNMC registration include Bishop Stuart University, International Health Sciences University, Mountains of the Moon University, The Aga Khan University, and Victoria University all attached to major referral or teaching hospitals for clinical placement.
General Admission Requirements
Requirements vary slightly by institution and study level, but most best nursing schools in Uganda apply a similar baseline:
For certificate programmes:
- Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least five passes, including relevant sciences
- Some schools accept direct entry after O-Level; others require A-Level
For diploma programmes:
- Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) with at least two principal passes, usually including Biology and Chemistry
- A competitive score on national examinations
- For “extension” tracks, an existing Enrolled Nursing/Midwifery certificate
For bachelor’s degree programmes:
- A UACE with the required science principal passes, or a diploma in nursing/midwifery from a UNMC-recognized institution for direct-entry or bridging routes
- A competitive weighted score for university admission
Across all levels:
- Proof of eligibility for registration with the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council (UNMC)
- Some schools require an interview and a basic medical fitness examination before enrollment
- Requirements and cut-off points change yearly, so always confirm directly with the specific school’s admissions office before applying
READ ALSO: 20 Best Nursing Colleges in South Africa: Full List of SANC-Accredited Schools & How to Apply
Average Nurse Salary in Uganda
Reported nurse salaries in Uganda vary widely depending on the source, employer, experience level, and whether the figure includes housing or transport allowances, so it’s best treated as a range rather than a single number. Entry-level nursing professionals in the public and private sectors commonly start in the 950,000–2.4 million UGX per month range, with pay for nurses with five years or more of experience often higher, depending on the facility and scale. Independent salary-survey aggregators put the typical monthly base pay for a registered nurse in Uganda somewhere in the low-to-mid millions of shillings, with senior or specialist roles, such as head nurse or nurse mentor positions, reaching noticeably higher. As with most public-sector-adjacent professions, government scale, years of service, and additional qualifications (diploma-to-degree upgrades, specialization) are the biggest levers for increasing pay over a career.
| Institution Type | Estimated Tuition (Per Semester) |
|---|---|
| Government Nursing Schools | UGX 840,000 – UGX 1,607,000 |
| Private Nursing Schools | UGX 1,500,000 – UGX 3,000,000 |
| Universities (Bachelor’s Programmes) | Varies by institution and programme |
READ ALSO: 15 Best Nursing Schools in Zambia: Full List of NMCZ-Accredited Schools & How to Apply
Conclusion
Choosing the Best Nursing Schools in Uganda is an important investment in your future career. Whether you aspire to earn a diploma, pursue a Bachelor of Nursing Science, or continue to postgraduate study, enrolling in a UNMC-accredited institution provides the academic foundation and clinical experience needed for professional practice.
Uganda’s nursing training landscape is large and varied, from decades-old regional referral hospital schools to newer university-based degree programmes, and accreditation status is the one filter that should never be skipped. Whether you’re weighing a certificate at a mission hospital school, a diploma at a regional referral hospital institution, or a full bachelor’s degree at one of the top-ranked universities, cross-check the school’s current UNMC status directly before submitting an application or paying fees, provisional licenses can and do change status, and confirming with the institution (or UNMC directly) protects both your money and your future registration. Use the tables above as your starting shortlist of the best nursing schools in Uganda, then narrow down by location, programme, and cost.
READ ALSO: 15 Best Nursing Schools in Tanzania (2026 Guide): Admission Requirements, Fees & How to Apply
FAQs
What is the best nursing schools in Uganda? There isn’t a single official “best” ranking, but Makerere University, Mbarara University, Mulago School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Nsambya School of Nursing and Midwifery are among the most established and fully UNMC-accredited institutions in the country.
How do I check if a nursing school is UNMC-accredited? Contact the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council directly or ask the school for its current registration certificate; accreditation status (full or provisional) can change from year to year.
What’s the difference between full registration and a provisional license? Full registration means a school permanently meets all UNMC standards. A provisional license means the school is approved to operate and teach but is still working toward full compliance on specific benchmarks, subject to periodic review.
Can I study nursing in Uganda with only O-Level results? Yes — certificate-level Enrolled Nursing and Enrolled Midwifery programmes typically accept UCE holders with at least five passes; diploma and degree programmes generally require A-Level results.
How long does nursing training take in Uganda? Certificate programmes usually take 2–3 years, diploma programmes take 3 years, and bachelor’s degree programmes take 3–4 years, depending on the institution and entry point.
Are private nursing schools in Uganda recognized by UNMC? Yes, provided they hold current UNMC registration (full or provisional) — ownership type (government, faith-based, private, or university) does not by itself affect the validity of the qualification, but accreditation status does.
What documents do I need to apply to a nursing school in Uganda? Typically your UCE and/or UACE result slips, a national ID or birth certificate, passport photos, and a completed application form; some schools also require a medical fitness report and an interview.
READ ALSO: Best Nursing Schools in Nigeria 2026: Full List of NMCN-Accredited Schools by State
