By KT Reporter
Karamoja Peace and Technology University (KAPATU) has officially been unveiled in Kotido District, marking a major milestone in the Ateker region’s long journey toward peace, stability, and educational advancement.
The institution, conceived in 2014, launched in 2023 and granted a Letter of Interim Authority on April 19, 2024, was unveiled on November 23 at Christ the King Parish in Losilang. It is expected to begin operations next year.
A joint initiative of the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Kotido and Moroto, the Catholic Lawyers Society International (CLASI), and the Government of Uganda, KAPATU is designed as a transformative centre for peacebuilding, skills development, and regional empowerment.
KAPATU will house six faculties: Health Sciences; Agriculture and Environmental Sciences; Engineering and Technology; Education; Peace and Diplomacy; and the School of Law. Its programs will range from certificate to PhD level, all anchored in hands-on training, community innovation hubs, and mindset-change initiatives.
According to Bishop Damiano Guzetti, the university’s Deputy President, the institution stands on three pillars: Excellence, Integrity, and Service. He emphasised that education must translate into improved communities and a brighter national future. He described the university as a historical service to the people of Karamoja, one that will open doors to empowerment, jobs, knowledge, and broader opportunities.
He also urged parents to entrust the university with their children and encouraged students to take ownership of the institution, saying the future of Karamoja lies in their hands.
Bishop Dominic Eibu, the President of KAPATU, expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for restoring peace in the region, which the university seeks to consolidate. He applauded government efforts toward dialogue, reintegration, addressing cattle rustling, and investing in infrastructure and socio-economic transformation programmes.
He called for improved road networks in North Karamoja, saying the current state hampers service delivery.
Former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi described KAPATU as a turning point for Karamoja and a landmark in Uganda’s national journey. He said the dream of establishing a university in Karamoja has existed for more than 50 years.
For decades, he noted, the region has battled marginalisation, fragile livelihoods, climate threats, and underinvestment in education. Amama Mbabazi emphasised that education remains one of the most powerful tools of transformation, and KAPATU is a strategic response to building human capital for sustainable peace.
John Baptist Lokii, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Karamoja, reaffirmed the commitment of the Karamoja Parliamentary Group to support the university’s infrastructure development. He urged leaders to mobilise youths toward the university’s programs and opportunities.
Similarly, Kaabong LCV Chairperson Meri Jino welcomed the university as a long-awaited intervention. He pointed out that Karamoja’s literacy rate stands at just 24.5 per cent compared to the national average of 74 per cent.
The Government of Israel has pledged more than USD 200 million to support two key projects at the university: water and ICT. Planned works include two boreholes, a valley dam, and a piped-water system serving surrounding villages for both domestic and agricultural use. Support for agriculture and animal production has also been pledged.
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