Justo Mwale University operates under the governance of the University Council. The Council delegates its primary functions to the Management and various committees. Regular reports on the significant activities of these committees are presented to the Council.

The Council is composed of a minimum of 9 members and a maximum of 15 members from the University’s strategic partners. The Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellors of JMU serve as ex-officio members, and the Registrar of the University acts as the Secretary of the Council. According to the provisions of the Higher Education Act No.4 of 2013, Council members hold office for three years with the possibility of reappointment for an additional three-year term.

The Council’s role is to provide entrepreneurial leadership while implementing effective controls. Its responsibilities include overseeing the governance of JMU and consistently acting in the best interest of the institution and its stakeholders. The Council guides the university’s strategy, supervises the management’s activities, and ensures the implementation of appropriate controls. Furthermore, the Council serves as the highest appellate body for the University.