Kabale University has registered a record enrollment of 5,450 students for the 2025/2026 academic year, the highest since its establishment in 2002, officials have announced.
The milestone was revealed on Tuesday during the orientation ceremony for new students at the university’s main campus in Kabale Municipality.
According to official figures, more than 2,500 new students had reported by August 26, 2025, pushing the total enrollment to 5,450. The final number is expected to rise as reporting is still ongoing.
Academic Registrar Narcicir Tibenderana described the development as a major breakthrough for the institution, which began as a community university with only 42 students before becoming a public university in 2015.
He attributed the surge in numbers to the government takeover, improved staffing and facilities, and enhanced visibility through the Communications Department.
“When the government took over, everything changed. The number of academic staff increased, learning facilities improved, and we established a well-facilitated Communications Department that has actively promoted the university’s brand in partnership with media houses,” Tibenderana said.
He also cited the university’s improved global standing, referencing the July 2025 Webometrics report, which ranked Kabale University sixth in Uganda and 2,518th worldwide, up from seventh nationally and 5,001st globally in July 2024.
Most of this year’s students have enrolled in the Faculty of Education, with more than 1,500 taking science-related courses, in line with government policies promoting science education.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sabiti Makara, Director of Graduate Studies, urged students to work hard and aim for academic excellence.
“You should aspire to occupy top positions in your careers, and some of you can even become professors if you remain focused,” he said.
Deputy University Secretary Peace Tindyebwa advised students to avoid destructive peer influence.
“It’s okay to socialize and network, but choose your friends carefully. You came here alone, and you will leave alone. No one else’s name will appear on your academic transcript,” she warned.
The Principal Communications and Branding Officer, Godfrey Ssempungu, urged students to rely on the university’s official website and social media platforms for accurate information.
