Clarke International University Granted Prestigious University Charter

Clarke International University (CIU) has officially been granted a charter, a major milestone for an institution founded in 2008, which has now attained full university status to offer major academic programs following a rigorous evaluation by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), elevates CIU to the esteemed rank of chartered universities in Uganda, cementing its reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and transformative leadership.

The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) confirmed the development in a letter dated 11th July 2025, addressed to the Vice-Chancellor of Clarke International University.

“H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda has approved and granted Clarke International University a Charter,” said Professor Mary J. N Okwakol, the Executive Director NCHE.

The NCHE stated in their letter that the charter will now be handed over to the Uganda Gazette for publication.

“Please note that the Charter will be presented to the Uganda Gazette for purposes of publication. We shall furnish a copy of the legal Notice once published,” the letter reads in part.

The Chancellor, CIU Prof. Moses Kalukande while expressing gratitude to stakeholders and partners said, "Let us move forward with renewed vision and vigor as we embrace the responsibility that comes with this Charter: to expand access, deepen our impact, and sustain a culture of excellence that inspires future generations. Congratulations to us all!"

Clarke International University According to experts, the charter being granted by the President of Uganda, means the National Council has cleared the university for Higher Education (NCHE), which signifies that the university has met the required standards and is comparable to public universities in Uganda allowing the institute to award all degrees, including Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, and Honorary degrees.

CIU Vice Chancellor, Dr. Rose Clarke Nanyonga, lauded the development as a game changer for the institution, saying the university is now better positioned to contribute meaningfully to national development and community transformation.

“This repositions us not just as a quality university, but as one adding value to the country and community,” she said while addressing journalists in Kampala. “We look forward to expanding our programs, impact, and partnerships across the nation.”

Dr. Nanyonga emphasized that the charter should not be seen as an end but as a new chapter in CIU’s growth. She urged stakeholders to work collectively to ensure sustainable academic excellence.

“This endorsement is a collective recognition,” she said. “It requires everyone at CIU to embrace a culture of continuous quality improvement. We are not just ticking boxes, this must be a sustainable journey.”

CIU founder and proprietor, Dr. Ian Clarke, said the charter opens new doors for the university to participate in government initiatives such as the Higher Education Students Financing Board (HESFB) loan scheme.

“There are more avenues for student sponsorships now,” he noted. “The government loan scheme, which is available only to chartered universities, is now accessible to our students. The charter also allows us to expand into research and doctoral-level training.”

He added that CIU would be exploring new academic frontiers beyond its traditional health sciences focus, including agriculture and human capital development.

“We aim to contribute to the transformation of Uganda’s agriculture sector, especially through training programs for farm managers and smallholder farmers,” he said.

 Dr. Sean Clarke, CEO of Clarke Education Group, said the university’s charter status is a testament to the quality and impact of its graduates across the region.

“For years, we’ve been producing agents of change and transformation in Uganda and beyond,” he said. “This charter is a seal of approval confirming what we already know that CIU is a university of excellent quality, equipping students with practical, innovative, and leadership skills.”

With CIU attaining the charter, the university is poised to to attract world-class faculty and forge global research collaborations, Launch cutting-edge undergraduate and postgraduate programs aligned with Uganda’s development priorities, Strengthen partnerships with industry, government, and international academic institutions and enhance degree recognition for students and alumni in the global job market

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

Furthermore, according to Section 103(a) of the same Act 2001 as amended, a chartered university is a university comparable to a public university.

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

CIU was formerly located at 4686 St. Barnabas Road, Namuwongo, and a southeastern section of Kampala for 10 years. Notably, the IHSU’s campus was located on the top floor of the building that houses International Hospital Kampala (IHK).

On Friday 11, September 2020, CIU officially opened their permanent campus and held a scientific function that was honoured by Bishop Zac Niringiye, Clarke International University Chancellor, who did the groundbreaking nine months ago.