The concept of a Catholic University in Uganda dates back as far as the nineteen fourties, when the late Archbishop Joseph Kiwanuka conceived the idea. Unfortunately, various circumstances impeded the foundation of a university at that time.

This proposal was renewed during the nineteen eighties, and was endorsed by the Uganda Episcopal Conference in 1989. The University was officially launched on March 24th 1991 by His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of Uganda. Uganda Martyrs University was chartered on 17th August 1993, and the first academic year opened on Monday 18th October 1993, the anniversary of the canonization of the Uganda Martyrs.

The University opened with 84 students (28 female and 56 male) from all parts of Uganda. In the recent years we have enrolled more female than male students. Our present student population is 2,026. Of these 459 are resident on campus. The other 1,567 are on distance learning programmes and part-time postgraduate courses in Kampala and various other parts of Uganda.

On 18th October 1994, the University was officially opened in the presence of His Excellency President Yoweri K. Museveni, the Uganda Catholic Bishops, the Minister of Education, and a host of friends and well-wishers. Uganda Martyrs University is fully recognised by the Ministry of Education in Uganda and its degrees are conferred autonomously.
Objectives of the University:

1. To provide high quality education which will prepare students for their future fields of occupation and service.

2. To cultivate and promote its chosen disciplines and specializations within the context of the knowledge of Christian principles by continually revising its academic and outreach programmes.

3. To encourage the development of individuals of democratic character, virtue, intellect, creativity, self-criticism, wisdom, skill, integrity, acumen, leadership, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance. Our graduates will be encouraged to foster the social, economic, spiritual, and moral development both of the individual and of society.

4. To facilitate the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge and research for the betterment of life in Uganda in particular, and for all humankind in general, in a way which will contribute to the promotion of our cultural heritage and environment.

5. To promote service outreach to the community, especially the vulnerable, poor and marginalised.

6. To create an academic community characterized by the non-negotiable values of service, solidarity, justice and respect for the other.