A group of young residents in Nakapiripirit district, Karamoja sub-region, has issued a one-month ultimatum to the International University of East Africa to demonstrate progress in constructing its branch in the area. The residents, predominantly science students from Makerere University, are demanding action, expressing dissatisfaction with the university’s use of communal grassing land.
The youth claim that since the university obtained permission to use 9,000 acres in Moruita sub-county for its establishment, there has been no visible progress. Allegations include university officials engaging in gold mining activities, protected by UPDF soldiers, instead of advancing construction efforts.
Joseph Lokut, one of the concerned youth, raised suspicions that the university’s intent was merely to acquire the land. He asserted that district officials in Nakapiripirit allegedly received a substantial payment of UGX 2 billion for the land, with only UGX 100 million remitted to Moruita sub-county. Lokut also highlighted the extravagant lifestyles of these officials, driving cars valued at UGX 300 million each.
Former Nakapiripirit town council Mayor, Frank Lokiru, criticized the university’s land acquisition process, citing lack of proper consultation with the communal Karamoja community. He questioned the legitimacy of the payment procedure, emphasizing concerns about conducting transactions on the table in Kampala.
Earlier this year, the university’s top management conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the university amid community protests. The event, attended by State Minister for Disaster Esther Anyakun, faced opposition from other district leaders who avoided participation, fearing repercussions from voters in the upcoming 2026 elections. Following the event, angered locals destroyed the erected signpost in the area.
Efforts to reach Mr. Hassan, responsible for managing the university programs, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to several calls.
That’s being against development, how many universities do we have in karamoja, such a facility being constructed is something good than land being left idle.