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Karamoja Peace and Technology University (KAPATU) Limited has issued a strong rebuttal to the allegations made by Prof. Mary J. N. Okwakol, the Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), concerning the university’s accreditation and development.
These claims, made during Prof. Okwakol’s appearance before the Sectoral Committee on Education in Parliament on 9th April 2026, suggested that the KAPATU project had stalled due to non-compliance with accreditation guidelines and governance standards.
KAPATU has clarified that these assertions are entirely unfounded, providing a comprehensive explanation to the public regarding the university’s progress and adherence to Uganda’s legal framework for establishing higher institutions.
Rejection of False Claims
The promoters of KAPATU have firmly condemned the allegations, suggesting they are part of a larger scheme to derail the creation of Karamoja’s first university. KAPATU contends that certain factions within NCHE, the Ministry of Education, and the Attorney General’s Chambers are working to obstruct the development of the university. KAPATU affirms that it fully complies with all the legal requirements set out by the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act.
On 19th April 2024, KAPATU was granted a Letter of Interim Authority by NCHE, which outlined specific conditions for the university’s progress. These included mobilizing funding, securing necessary infrastructure, setting up academic and administrative systems, and advancing the overall development of the university.
KAPATU’s Unstoppable Progress
Contrary to Prof. Okwakol’s remarks, KAPATU has not only met but exceeded the conditions set by NCHE. The university has secured substantial funding, including UGX 30 billion from President Museveni and EUR 300 million (approximately UGX 1.2 trillion) from international development partners. These funds are being used to develop the university’s infrastructure and provide clean water to the Karamoja region.
Construction work is already in full swing, with a fully operational library, office spaces, lecture halls, staff accommodations, and a police post already in place. More than 150 acres of land have been acquired for future expansion, and the new administration block is already 42% complete, with part of the funding coming from the UGX 30 billion donation from President Museveni.
Commitment to Legal and Religious Principles
KAPATU also rejects the criticism surrounding the university’s governance structure. The Catholic Dioceses of Kotido and Moroto, the founders of KAPATU, have every legal right to establish and manage the university under Canon Law, which grants the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church the authority to establish educational institutions within their dioceses.
Furthermore, the appointments of H.E. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as Founding Chancellor and H.E. Maj. Jessica Rose Epel Alupo as Founding Deputy Chancellor were made in full compliance with the NRA’s 10-Point Program. There are no legal barriers to these appointments.
A Call for Collaboration and Support
In conclusion, KAPATU urges the National Council for Higher Education and other stakeholders to support the project in good faith. The university is on track to fulfill its goal of providing high-quality education to the people of Karamoja and beyond.
The KAPATU project represents a historic and transformative initiative that will bring significant educational and socio-economic benefits to the Karamoja region. The promoters are committed to ensuring that all requirements for the Provisional License and full accreditation are met, reinforcing the university’s vital role in the development of Uganda’s education sector.
The success of KAPATU will not only be a win for Karamoja, but also a milestone for the entire nation.
