Ggaba: The main campus is in a neighborhood in Makindye Division, approximately 12 kilometres (7 mi) southeast of the central business district (CBD) of Kampala, the capital and largest city of Uganda.

Luweero: Approximately 65 kilometres (40 mi), by road, north of Kampala on the Kampala–Gulu Highway.

The founding vice chancellor, Badru Kateregga, together with other academics and entrepreneurs pooled resources to establish the university.

[12] KU is affiliated with the East African University (TEAU) in Kitengela, Kenya.

Badru Kateregga, the vice chancellor of KU, also serves as chairman of the board of trustees of TEAU.