Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) is a faith-based private University owned by the Episcopal Conference of the Catholic Bishops of Uganda. UMU acknowledges the late Archbishop Kiwanuka as the Father of Catholic higher education in Uganda. When he first conceived the idea in the 1940’s, circumstances did not allow establishing a University at that time. However, this proposal was renewed during the 1980’s, and was endorsed by the Uganda Episcopal Conference in 1989. Uganda Martyrs University was officially launched in 1993 by His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni President of the Republic of Uganda. It received its civil Charter on 2nd April 2005. Uganda Martyrs University is located along the Equator at Nkozi, 80 km west of Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. Opened in October 1993 with 84 students and two academic departments, UMU currently has 7 Faculties, 1 Institute, 3 Schools, 3 Directorates; and about 5,000 students, of whom about 1,500 are full-time residents on campus. The remaining 2,500 and 1,000 participate in distance learning and part-time programmes respectively at the University campuses in Kabale, Kampala, Masaka, Mbale and Lira.

Vision, Mission, Objectives, and Values
The University is committed to its vision, which is: “to be a university that is nationally and internationally recognized for excellence in research and the advancement of knowledge.” Basing on its slogan, “Making a Difference,” the University members and alumni are encouraged to make a positive contribution to society wherever they are. The Mission of the University is ‘to provide quality higher education, training and research for the betterment of society guided by ethical values.’