By Frank Kamuntu
Clarke International University has officially joined the ranks of fully chartered institutions in Uganda, marking a monumental achievement in the university’s journey to academic excellence.
The announcement was made during a jubilant press briefing held at the university’s main campus in Muyenga, where Vice Chancellor Prof. Rose Clarke Nanyonga declared it “a day of victory for every student, faculty member, and stakeholder who believed in the CIU dream.”
After years of rigorous assessments and continuous growth, CIU has finally received its long-awaited Charter, signed and approved by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, formally recognizing the university’s autonomy and academic credibility.
“This charter is not just a certificate — it is a future-securing document for our students, our nation, and our continent,” said an overjoyed Prof. Nanyonga. “We are grateful to President Museveni for believing in the potential of Clarke and for officially giving us the green light to soar.”
Why The Charter Matters
Achieving charter status is a major milestone for any Ugandan university, signifying government recognition of academic quality, governance, infrastructure, and contribution to national development. For Clarke International University, this Charter comes with a host of benefits:
Students can now apply for government study loans, greatly improving access to higher education for talented but underprivileged learners.
The university can now offer PhD programs, expanding opportunities for advanced research and academic leadership.
With a Charter, CIU is better positioned to form global partnerships, attract research grants, and engage in international academic forums.
It boosts the university’s credibility and appeal to top-tier faculty and researchers across disciplines.
It provides a framework for expanding innovation hubs and nurturing talent in key areas such as health sciences, business, technology, and leadership.
“We are going to deepen our research agenda, build innovation ecosystems, and prepare students to solve real-world problems — because Uganda, and Africa at large, needs homegrown solutions,” Prof. Nanyonga added.
Leadership Celebrates The Milestone
Dr. Sean Clarke, CEO of Clarke Education Group, emphasized that the Charter is not merely a formality but a seal of excellence earned through years of commitment to transformational education.
“Clarke has produced graduates who are agents of change, not just in Uganda, but across East Africa,” said Dr. Clarke. “This Charter validates our legacy and positions us to amplify our impact in the years ahead.”
Chancellor Prof. Dr. Moses Galukande echoed the same optimism, calling it a “historic and spiritual triumph.” He reflected on the institution’s humble beginnings as a private hospital with a vision to equip Ugandans with practical health skills.
“We’ve walked a long, hopeful road with CIU,” said Galukande. “The university began in Old Kampala, offering basic health courses, and today it stands tall among Uganda’s finest. This charter is a victory for every Ugandan who believes in the power of knowledge.”
Research, Talent Development & Africa’s Future
In her remarks, Prof. Nanyonga stressed the urgent need for African universities to close the research gap, noting that Africa currently contributes only 3% of global research output — mostly from South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt.
“Clarke is ready to lead a research renaissance,” she said. “We must rise beyond dependency. We must be a continent that innovates, that heals, that builds.”
With its new status, CIU plans to launch new academic programs, expand into more disciplines, and establish centers of excellence that will serve Uganda and the region.
As Clarke International University steps into this new chapter, the leadership is calling upon government agencies, private sector players, international partners, and the alumni community to support its growth.
“We are now fully charted, fully recognized, and ready to scale up,” Prof. Nanyonga said. “Let’s work together to create a future of brilliance, innovation, and excellence.”
About Clarke International University:
Founded in 2008 as the International Health Sciences University, CIU has evolved into a dynamic institution offering courses in health sciences, technology, business, and leadership. Its mission is to educate, lead, inspire, and transform, values that continue to drive its success.
With a charter in hand, Clarke is no longer just a university — it’s a beacon of Africa’s academic future.
