It originated from the Grotius School of Law and Professional Studies, which started in February 2001.

UPU is a private institution licensed by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).

[2] This location is approximately 1 kilometre (0.62 mi), Kasese road at Muchwa Complex.

[3] The university started operating in 2001 as the Grotius School of Law and Professional Studies, with a campus in Mengo, a neighborhood in Lubaga Division in western Kampala, Uganda's capital city.

In 2004, the school was advised by the Uganda National Council for Higher Education (UNCHE) to apply for a separate license.