Makerere University College of Health Sciences was established in 1924 known as Makerere University Medical School, till 2007 when it became Makerere University's premier constituent College. It is the oldest medical training University unit in East Africa; having been in the business of training medical and health professionals for over 80 years. This history has earned it an enviable position in Uganda and the East and Central African region.

In 2008 Makerere University began a major institutional change that led to the creation of Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) as the University's first constituent college. This was an exploration of unchartered waters in the history of university governance in Uganda. MakCHS has experienced both exciting and challenging times but has set a pace for itself and the future is very promising.