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Valley University staff pose for a group photo with counsel Steven Okoth NCHE legal officer
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By Our Reporter
Bushenyi
In a landmark achievement that crowns years of academic excellence, innovation, and institutional growth, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially granted a Charter to the Valley University of Science and Technology (VUST).
Signed on July 3, 2025, by President Museveni, the Charter was formally delivered to the university on Tuesday by Counsel Steven Okoth, a legal officer from the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), during a symbolic handover ceremony held at the university's main campus in Bushenyi District.
Valley University of Science and Technology main building
A Charter is the highest level of accreditation awarded to private universities in Uganda. It signifies that an institution has met and surpassed the rigorous standards set by the NCHE in areas such as academic quality, governance, infrastructure, and financial sustainability. With this recognition, VUST is now a fully autonomous degree-awarding institution under Ugandan law.
Valley University of Science and Technology was established in 2016 by veteran educationist and politician William Mukaira, the first Bushenyi District Chairperson. The university was founded with a vision to promote practical education, science, and innovation aimed at addressing local and national development challenges.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Dr. Enos Rwasheema, the Vice Chancellor of VUST, described the moment as a defining milestone in the university's history.
“This is a historic day for Valley University and the people of Bushenyi. The Charter is national recognition of our commitment to quality, innovation, and service to society,” he said.
He commended the collective effort of the university’s founding body, Board of Trustees, University Council, management, staff, students, parents, and development partners.
“This achievement is the result of years of hard work and a shared vision. We are now prepared to scale new academic heights, expand our research initiatives, and deepen our community impact,” Dr. Rwasheema added.
Dr Rwasheema the VUST vice Chancellor receiving a University charter from NCHE legal officer Steven Okoth
Counsel Steven Okoth, representing NCHE, lauded the university for meeting the required benchmarks and urged the administration to remain committed to academic excellence.
“Earning a Charter is not a destination but the beginning of a new chapter. VUST must continue to set the pace in quality assurance, innovation, and relevance to national development,” he said.
Valley University has steadily gained recognition as a centre of excellence in Western Uganda, offering programmes in agriculture, education, ICT, and business studies. Its emphasis on applied research and community-based learning has attracted praise for producing job-ready graduates equipped with practical skills.
In a letter dated July 11, 2025, addressed to the university, Professor Mary J. N. Okwakol, the Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education, confirmed the presidential approval.
“I am pleased to inform you that, following your application for the grant of a Charter, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda has approved and granted the Valley University of Science and Technology (VUST) a Charter,” the letter reads in part.
“Please note that the Charter will be presented to the Uganda Gazette for official publication. We shall furnish you with a copy of the legal notice once it has been published. On behalf of the National Council for Higher Education, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to you on this remarkable achievement.”
The Charter comes just months after VUST held its 5th graduation ceremony, further cementing its role in shaping the future of higher education and development in the region.
Torch Media Africa
