Historical Background
Founded in 2002 by Ankole Diocese of the province of the Anglican Church of Uganda, Bishop Stuart University (BSU) is a private, not-for-profit University, chartered in 2014 and located in Western Uganda 31/2 km from Mbarara City Headquarters. The University is one of the best and fastest growing universities in Uganda, ranked 4th among Private Universities by Webometrics (Ranking Web of Universities)- [July 2025 Edition].
BSU traces her humble beginnings from Bishop Tucker Theological College, Mukono, which was founded in 1913 as a normal school and over the years evolved into the Uganda Christian University in 1992. The school was then transferred to Ruharo, next to Mbarara High School, in 1952 under Rev. Hugh F. Hodge, who founded a grade II co-educational Teacher Training College known as Bishop Stuart College in Kakoba.
More about BSU
From 1952-1981, Bishop Stuart College trained grade II and III teachers. In 1982 the College was transferred to Kibingo in Rwampara (currently Mbarara city) giving way to National Teachers College, Kakoba to train Diploma Teachers for Primary and Secondary Schools.
In March 2002, the Ankole Diocese Synod resolved to establish a University at Kakoba Hill, named Bishop Stuart University. In April 2004, Bishop Stuart University became affiliated to Uganda Christian University, Mukono and through this affiliation, Uganda Christian University started awarding Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates to Bishop Stuart University students.
Bishop Stuart University was then licensed by National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and was allowed to award Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates starting with the 2006/2007 Academic Year until 2014 when the University received her charter from NCHE. This meant that the University would start awarding any Postgraduate and Undergraduate degree in any discipline as long as it’s accredited by NCHE.
The institution has a Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovations and five (5) faculties which are:-
- Faculty of Business, Economics, and Governance
- Faculty of Agriculture, Environmental Sciences and Technology
- Faculty of Education, Arts and Media Studies
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Health Sciences
Bishop Stuart University (BSU) admits new students in 4 intakes (May, August and January & June for Direct Diploma and Extension Nurses) that run every Academic Year. All programmes run on a blended mode (both Online and Physical) of delivery.
Guided by
Mission
To create leaders and professionals who are “Responsible, Ethical, Employable, Entrepreneurial and God-fearing” (REEE+G)
Vision
A University for Recreating African Society with Academic Excellence, Innovation, Integrity and Godliness
Core Values
Christ-centredness, Holistic Human Formation, Justice and Reconciliation, Servant Leadership…