The long-awaited Karamoja Peace and Technology University (KAPATU) project was officially launched yesterday a vibrant ceremony in Losilang, Kotido Municipality. The event, attended by thousands of residents, local leaders, cultural representatives, and development partners, marks a historic moment for education, peacebuilding, and socio-economic transformation in the Karamoja and Ateker regions.
The ceremony, which began with a Holy Mass led by Archbishop Emeritus of Gulu, Rt. Rev. John Baptist Odama, was a beacon of hope for a region that has long been affected by insecurity and underdevelopment. President Yoweri Museveni, unable to attend due to prior commitments in Tororo and Kisoro, was represented by Prime Minister Emeritus Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi.
In his address, Rt. Hon. Mbabazi conveyed President Museveni’s strong support for KAPATU, emphasizing its alignment with national development goals, particularly in fostering peace, skills development, and industrial growth. He reaffirmed that KAPATU would play a critical role in restoring stability and empowering the youth of Karamoja, with education as the cornerstone for overcoming poverty, violence, and social fragmentation.
Rt. Hon. Mbabazi also praised the vision of KAPATU, noting that it would serve as a national public university, ensuring its long-term sustainability and relevance not only to the people of Karamoja but also to the broader Ateker region. He expressed his gratitude to the Catholic Diocese of Kotido and the Catholic Lawyers Society International (CLASI) for conceiving the idea and for their tireless work in bringing it to fruition.
The Prime Minister further highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming Karamoja, a promise that dates back to the early days of the bush war. He pointed out that the Karamoja region holds immense potential, yet faces significant challenges, including climate disasters, underinvestment in higher education, and poverty. In response to these challenges, KAPATU is designed to be a strategic, transformative force, aligning with the National Development Plan and Human Capital Development goals.
“Karamoja stands at a pivotal moment,” said Rt. Hon. Mbabazi. “This university is not just an institution of learning but a catalyst for regional transformation and a symbol of peace. It embodies our national aspiration to ensure that no community is left behind.”
As part of the broader efforts to transform the region, Rt. Hon. Mbabazi revealed that over USD 200 million has already been secured for two major projects in Karamoja, including a water project aimed at channeling water from Lake Bisina to the region. This initiative, known as the ‘KAPATU ERUPE Presidential Initiative,’ aims to enhance agricultural production by providing water to homesteads, kraals, and trading centers.
The announcement was met with enthusiastic applause from the local community, which eagerly anticipates the positive impact KAPATU will have on breaking the cycles of illiteracy and insecurity that have plagued the region for generations.
A Vision for Sustainable Development
The KAPATU project represents a holistic approach to development, combining formal education with peacebuilding, health, human rights, psychosocial support, and modern science and technology. The university’s mission is to empower youth, women, former warriors, and vulnerable households to become self-reliant contributors to regional growth.
Experts believe that integrating technical skills with peace education will address the root causes of conflict in the region, including unemployment, cultural misunderstandings, and limited economic opportunities. With Karamoja’s vast mineral resources and livestock potential, KAPATU is expected to produce professionals who will responsibly manage these resources and contribute to the region’s sustainable development.
Rev. Dr. Mugisha Kagume, Deputy Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), informed attendees that KAPATU has already submitted a request for a Provisional License to begin teaching. He noted that the NCHE had granted the university a Letter of Interim Authority in 2024, allowing it to start infrastructure development, mobilize human resources, and prepare for its future operations.
About KAPATU
KAPATU is a multi-stakeholder initiative involving the Catholic Dioceses of Kotido and Moroto, the Catholic Lawyers Society International (CLASI), and the government of Uganda. The project was conceived in 2014 by CLASI and officially launched in April 2023 at the Uganda Episcopal Conference Headquarters in Nsambya. President Museveni, represented by Vice President Maj. Jessica Rose Alupo, presided over the ceremony, laying the foundation stone in Losilang in July 2023. President Museveni serves as KAPATU’s Founding Chancellor, while Vice President Alupo is the Deputy Founding Chancellor and Chief Promoter.
The official unveiling of the KAPATU project marks the beginning of a transformative journey for Karamoja, offering the region a unique opportunity to overcome its challenges and build a brighter, more peaceful future for its people.
