Finding hostels in Uganda for campus life can be a challenge, especially with the growing number of university students seeking affordable and secure housing. Whether you study at Makerere, KIU, Cavendish, or Ndejje University, this guide highlights top hostels offering convenience, comfort, and proximity to campus.
Top Hostels Near Makerere University
Located in Kampala, Makerere University has one of the most vibrant student hostel ecosystems in Uganda. The hostels in Uganda for campus students around Makerere are mostly situated in Kikoni and Wandegeya.
Olympia Hostel
Olympia Hostel is a Grade A mixed hostel about 700 meters from the CEDAT campus. It features shuttles, 24/7 security, Wi-Fi, and even a swimming pool—ideal for students seeking both comfort and proximity.
Makerere International Students Hostel (MISH)
Located in Kikoni, MISH offers non-self-contained rooms at UGX 1,000,000 for single occupancy and UGX 600,000 for doubles per term. The hostel provides shuttle services and high security.
Apex Girls’ Hostel
This female-only hostel is a preferred choice for female students due to its safety and nearness to campus.
Other Nearby Hostels
- Douglas Villa Hostel
- Nalikka Hostel
- Castleville Hostel
- Prince Hostel
- Sunways Hostel
- God Is Able Hostel
- Arian Hostel
All are within walking distance from campus and offer various price points and features suitable for student budgets.
Makerere University Halls of Residence
In addition to private hostels, Makerere offers nine official on-campus halls of residence:
Male Halls
- Lumumba
- Livingstone
- Mitchell
- Nkurumah
- Nsibirwa
- University Hall
Female Halls
- Africa Hall
- Mary Stuart Hall
- Complex Hall
These halls accommodate approximately 4,400 undergraduates. Allocation is done through the Dean’s Office and prioritizes non-diploma, full-time students.
Tip: Private hostels affiliated with Makerere are graded by the Hostel Inspection Committee. Grade A hostels include Olympia, Lady Juliana, Garden Courts, and New Nana.
Hostels Near Other Major Universities in Uganda
Cavendish University Uganda
- Aryan Hostel: ~3 km from campus, UGX 1.1–1.6M/month
- Kato’s Hostel: ~300 m away, UGX 600–800K/month
Kampala International University (KIU)
KIU provides university-managed hostels within 500 meters. These hostels are fenced, secure, and come with utilities included.
Uganda Technology and Management University (UTAMU)
UTAMU students can access self-contained rooms ranging from UGX 1.2–1.5M per semester near both Bugolobi and Kungu campuses.
Ndejje University
Ndejje offers on-campus housing at Lady Irene Hall and assists students in finding nearby hostels. Several new hostels are under construction.
Tips for Choosing the Best Hostels
When selecting hostels in Uganda for campus, consider the following:
Proximity
Look for hostels in Kikoni or Wandegeya for Makerere, and similar areas for other universities.
Security
Prioritize hostels with 24-hour security, perimeter fencing, and CCTV.
Accreditation
Always choose hostels graded by the university (Grade A preferred).
Pricing
Expect term fees between UGX 600,000–1,000,000 for shared rooms. Self-contained units may cost more.
Room Type
Decide between self-contained vs. shared units depending on your privacy needs and budget.
Next Steps for Students
- Visit the hostel: Check hygiene, amenities, and surrounding environment.
- Apply early: Especially for university halls, apply through the Dean’s Office in advance.
