Pic: The International Open University Vice Chancellor Prof. Makie Taal and the IOU Uganda Representative Br. Abdala Bogere met with the Director of Accreditation at NCHE to discuss the registration and accreditation process for the International Open University (IOU) in Uganda, with the aim of obtaining official recognition on 4 August, 2026.

Below are the key points of guidance provided:

• IOU should first apply for a Letter of Interim Authority, followed by a Provisional Licence valid for three years.
• IOU must submit all its existing academic programs, ensuring they are developed in line with NCHE requirements. The submissions must be signed by the VC or DVC-Academics and submitted to NCHE for accreditation before implementation.
• Programs should be competency-based and supported by a needs analysis that identifies the competencies required by the target community. They should also demonstrate community engagement and incorporate entrepreneurship, computer literacy, communication skills, research methods, ethics and integrity, and innovation.
• The University should prepare all the required documentation, including the background profiles of the University's promoters.
• The online application fee is USD 55, while the institutional inspection facilitation fee is USD 830.

The Director also informed Prof. Taal that NCHE has drafted new guidelines for the registration of 100% online universities in Uganda, addressing a regulatory gap in the current framework. Although these guidelines have not yet been approved, he will share the draft by email for Prof. Taal's consideration, noting that the requirements differ from those for establishing a conventional university.