President Yoweri Museveni, represented by Prime Minister Emeritus Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, officially launched the Karamoja Peace and Technology University (KAPATU) project during a vibrant ceremony held today, November 23rd, 2025, at Losilang, North Division, Kotido Municipality.
The inauguration of KAPATU marks a significant milestone in education, peacebuilding, and socio-economic development for the Karamoja and Ateker regions. The event commenced with a Holy Mass led by Archbishop Emeritus of Gulu, Rt. Rev. John Baptist Odama, and drew thousands of residents, leaders, cultural representatives, and development partners, symbolizing renewed hope for a region long affected by insecurity and underdevelopment.
Rt. Hon. Mbabazi, who also serves as KAPATU’s Chief International Fundraiser, explained that President Museveni could not attend the ceremony due to prior engagements in Tororo and Kisoro.
Delivering President Museveni’s message, Rt. Hon. Mbabazi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the university. He emphasized that KAPATU is fully aligned with national development objectives, particularly in fostering peace, skills development, and industrial growth.
President Museveni highlighted that the university will be a cornerstone for stabilizing Karamoja and empowering its youth. He stressed that education remains the most effective tool to combat poverty, violence, and social decay.
In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Mbabazi praised the President’s decision to designate KAPATU as a Nucleus National Public University, noting that this ensures the institution’s sustainability and importance not only to Karamoja but to the wider Ateker community.
“I extend my gratitude to the Catholic Diocese of Kotido and the Catholic Lawyers Society International [CLASI] for initiating this project. Their vision brought us to this historic moment. As Chief International Fundraiser, I am inspired by the progress made and remain ready to serve in advancing KAPATU’s mission to become a global center for peace, innovation, and transformation,” he said.
Rt. Hon. Mbabazi further highlighted that the government’s vision for transforming Karamoja dates back to the bush-war era, when regional development was included in the NRM/A 10-point program.
“Education has always been a powerful instrument for change. Karamoja now stands at a pivotal moment. Despite its rich natural and human resources, the region faces challenges such as climate shocks, historical neglect in higher education, and widespread poverty. KAPATU is designed as a strategic response that aligns with the National Development Plan and human capital development goals,” he added.
“Above all, this university embodies our national vision of leaving no community behind. It is not just an institution of learning but a driver of regional transformation and a symbol of peace,” he said.
As part of broader initiatives to develop Karamoja, over USD 200 million has already been secured for critical projects, including a water initiative. The ‘KAPATU ERUPE Presidential Initiative’ aims to channel water from Lake Bisina to Karamoja, reaching all Ere [homesteads], Awi [kraals], and Elein [trading centers], enhancing agricultural productivity and livelihoods.
The announcement was met with enthusiastic applause from residents, who see KAPATU as a potential solution to generations of illiteracy and insecurity.
Kotido District Chairperson, Lote Paul, also applauded President Museveni for championing the project, noting the university reflects a firm commitment to improving Karamoja’s future. He acknowledged the support of the Ethiopian government and other international partners in making the initiative possible.
“Karamoja has faced many hardships, but this university is a beacon of hope,” Lote said. “It will play a key role in curbing cattle rustling and opening new opportunities for the people. Education and transformation go hand in hand, and we are grateful for this vision.”
A Vision for Sustainable Development
The KAPATU project takes a comprehensive approach, combining formal education with peacebuilding, health, human rights, psychosocial support, and modern science and technology. Its 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 root causes of conflict, including unemployment, cultural misunderstandings, and lack of economic alternatives. With Karamoja’s abundant mineral resources and livestock potential, the university is expected to produce professionals capable of responsibly managing the region’s wealth.
Rev. Dr. Mugisha Kagume, Deputy Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education, confirmed that NCHE has received KAPATU’s formal request for a Provisional License to commence teaching. He noted that KAPATU already received a Letter of Interim Authority in 2024 to begin infrastructure development, staff recruitment, and other preparatory activities, and the council is now considering the application for the license.
About KAPATU
KAPATU is a collaborative initiative involving the Catholic Dioceses of Kotido and Moroto, the Catholic Lawyers Society International, and the Government of Uganda. Conceived in 2014 by CLASI, it was officially launched in April 2023 at the Uganda Episcopal Conference Headquarters in Nsambya, presided over by President Museveni, who was represented by Vice President Maj. Jessica Rose Alupo Epel. In July 2023, the foundation stone was laid at Losilang by President Museveni, represented again by the Vice President. President Museveni serves as KAPATU’s Founding Chancellor, while VP Alupo is its Deputy Founding Chancellor and Chief Promoter.
