Part of our Nursing Councils of the World series. Last checked: October 2026.
The Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council (UNMC) regulates nursing and midwifery in Uganda under the Nurses and Midwives Act. It registers and enrols nurses and midwives, issues practising licences, licenses private nursing and maternity homes, and handles professional misconduct. Certificate and diploma examinations are set by the separate Uganda Nurses and Midwives Examinations Board (UNMEB). Degree programmes are examined by the universities.
Levels of practitioner
- Registered level: diploma, bachelor’s, master’s or PhD (for example registered nurse or registered midwife).
- Enrolled level: certificate programmes such as certificate in nursing (CCN), enrolled nurse (EN), enrolled mental health nurse (EMHN) and certificate in midwifery (CM).
Getting registered
- Pass the UNMEB final examinations (for certificate and diploma programmes), or graduate from an accredited university nursing or midwifery programme.
- Apply to the UNMC for registration or enrolment, through the online registration and licensure system or at Council offices.
- Your registration fee includes the practising licence for the first three years.
- You receive your registration number and professional ID.
Licence renewal (every 3 years)
| Category | Renewal fee |
|---|---|
| Registered level (diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD) | UGX 80,000 |
| Enrolled level (CCN, EN, EMHN, CM) | UGX 50,000 |
| Non-Ugandans, and Ugandans practising outside Uganda (all levels) | US$50 |
| More than three years overdue | A 50% late charge for each year in default |
To renew, bring or upload: your original certificate or professional ID with photocopies, your previous receipt, and your Continuing Education Diary showing CPD over the licence period. Your professional ID is stamped on renewal.
Private practice licences
- A nurse needs at least 10 years of service, and a midwife at least 5 years, in a hospital or approved health unit, plus a current licence and suitable premises.
- Private practice licences are valid for one year and must be renewed by 31 March.
- Fees: domiciliary homes UGX 50,000 (rural) or 60,000 (urban); nursing homes UGX 65,000 (rural) or 75,000 (urban).
Foreign-trained nurses and verification
Nurses trained outside Uganda apply through the UNMC’s foreign-trained applicants process. Their qualifications are assessed, and they may need an examination or supervised practice before registration. Ugandan nurses applying abroad ask the UNMC to send verification or a certificate of good standing directly to the foreign regulator. Keep your licence current while you do this.
Discipline
The Council investigates complaints of professional misconduct, such as negligence, abuse of patients, fraud or practising without a licence. After an inquiry, it can caution or reprimand the nurse, suspend them, or remove their name from the register. Practising without a valid licence is an offence under the Act.
Sources: UNMC, how to obtain a licence; Uganda eHealth licensing portal; UNMEB. Confirm current requirements and fees with the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council.