The Karamoja Peace and Technology University (KAPATU) project has been officially launched in Losilang, Kotido Municipality.
The move is seen as a major boost for education and stability in the Karamoja and Ateker regions.
President Yoweri Museveni was represented at the event by Prime Minister Emeritus Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi. The ceremony, held on November 23, 2025, attracted thousands, including cultural leaders, government officials, and development partners. A Holy Mass was led by Archbishop Emeritus of Gulu, Rt. Rev. John Baptist Odama.
Rt. Hon. Mbabazi, also KAPATU’s Chief International Fundraiser, said the President could not attend due to prior engagements in Tororo and Kisoro. He reaffirmed the government’s full support for the university.
President Museveni emphasized that KAPATU would help restore stability and empower the youth in Karamoja. He said education remains “the strongest antidote to poverty, violence, and social breakdown.”
In his remarks, Mbabazi praised the President for making KAPATU a Nucleus National Public University.
“I thank the Catholic Diocese of Kotido and Catholic Lawyers Society International [CLASI] for conceiving the idea. They sowed the seed that we are here today. As Chief International Fundraiser, I am encouraged by the progress already made. I stand ready to serve whenever and wherever because KAPATU’s goal is to become a globally recognized centre for peacebuilding, innovation and transformation,” he said.
Mbabazi added that transforming Karamoja has long been a national goal, dating back to the NRM/A bush-war period. He described KAPATU as a “strategic and transformative response” to challenges like climate shocks, limited higher education, and poverty.
“Above all, it reflects our national aspiration to ensure that no community is left behind. This university isn’t merely an institution of learning but an engine for regional transformation and a beacon of peace,” he said.
He also announced that over USD 200 million has been secured for regional projects, including a water initiative under the ‘KAPATU ERUPE Presidential Initiative’ to channel water from Lake Bisina to boost agriculture.
Kotido District Chairperson, Lote Paul, praised President Museveni for championing the project. He said the university would help curb cattle rustling and expand opportunities for residents.
“Karamoja has suffered greatly, but this university is a beacon of hope,” Lote said. “It will significantly help in the fight against cattle rustling and open new opportunities for the people. Education and transformation go hand in hand, and we are grateful for this vision.”
Experts said KAPATU’s blend of peace education, technology, and skills training would empower youth, women, former warriors, and vulnerable households. The university is also expected to develop professionals to manage Karamoja’s natural resources responsibly.
Rev. Dr. Mugisha Kagume, Deputy Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education, said the Council had received KAPATU’s application for a Provisional Licence. The university had earlier been granted a Letter of Interim Authority in 2024 to begin infrastructure and staffing.
ABOUT KAPATU
KAPATU is a multistakeholder initiative involving the Catholic Dioceses of Kotido and Moroto, Catholic Lawyers Society International, and the Ugandan government. Conceived in 2014 and actualized in April 2023, it has President Museveni as Founding Chancellor and Vice President Jessica Alupo as Deputy Founding Chancellor and Chief Promoter.
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