Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Mbale College of Health Sciences (MCOHS) is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights in relation to your personal data when you use our website or submit an application.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of personal information:

• Contact information: name, email address, phone number, postal address
• Application data: academic records, identity documents, photographs, O-Level / A-Level results, and other information submitted as part of an admissions application
• Usage data: IP address, browser type, pages visited, and time spent on our website (collected automatically via cookies)
• Communications: messages submitted through our contact form or email

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

• Process and evaluate admissions applications
• Communicate with you regarding your enquiry or application status
• Send institutional newsletters and academic updates (with your consent)
• Improve our website and services through usage analytics
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

4. Data Sharing

We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your data with:

• The Uganda Health Professions Assessment Board (UHPAB) for registration and accreditation purposes
• Partner health facilities for clinical placement coordination
• Government bodies as required by Ugandan law

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure or destruction. Application data is stored on secure servers and access is restricted to authorised personnel only.

6. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to improve user experience and collect anonymous usage statistics. You may disable cookies in your browser settings; however, some features of the website may not function correctly without them.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal data for as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy, or as required by applicable law. Application records are retained for a minimum of seven (7) years in accordance with institutional record-keeping requirements.

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Request deletion of your data (subject to legal retention obligations)
• Withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@mbalecohs.ac.ug.

9. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The date of the most recent revision will be indicated at the top of this page. Continued use of our website after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or the handling of your data, please contact:

Mbale College of Health Sciences
Plot 2-4 Pallisa Road, P.O. Box 900, Mbale City, Uganda
Email: privacy@mbalecohs.ac.ug
Phone: +256-454-433-001