Karamoja Peace and Technology University (KAPATU) Limited has strongly rejected the allegations made by Prof. Mary J. N. Okwakol, the Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), regarding the university’s development. In her statement before the Sectoral Committee on Education in Parliament on 9th April 2026, Prof. Okwakol claimed that the KAPATU project had stalled due to failure to meet accreditation guidelines and governance standards.
KAPATU has issued a detailed response to refute these misleading statements, emphasizing that the university is making remarkable progress in line with the country’s legal requirements for establishing higher institutions.Countering False AllegationsThe promoters of KAPATU strongly believe that the allegations are part of a deliberate effort to undermine the creation of Karamoja’s first university. They argue that some individuals within NCHE, the Ministry of Education, and the Attorney General’s Chambers are trying to disrupt the project. KAPATU firmly asserts that the university complies with all legal stipulations outlined in Uganda’s Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act.In fact, KAPATU was granted a Letter of Interim Authority by NCHE on 19th April 2024, which highlighted four specific conditions for progression: mobilizing funds, securing infrastructure, organizing academic and administrative systems, and advancing the university’s development.KAPATU’s Progress: A Success Story in the MakingContrary to Prof. Okwakol’s claims, KAPATU has not only met but exceeded the requirements set by NCHE.
The university has secured significant funding, including UGX 30 billion from President Museveni and EUR 300 million (approximately UGX 1.2 trillion) from international development partners. These funds are earmarked for building the university’s infrastructure and providing water to the entire Karamoja region.Construction work is already well underway. The university has a fully operational library, office spaces, lecture halls, staff accommodations, and a police post. Over 150 acres of land have been secured for future development, and the new administration block is 42% complete, supported in part by the UGX 30 billion donation from President Museveni.Commitment to Legal and Religious FoundationsKAPATU also rejects claims about the university’s governance structure. The Catholic Dioceses of Kotido and Moroto, who founded the university, have every legal right to do so under Canon Law.
The law empowers the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church to establish universities within their dioceses.Further, the appointments of H.E. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the Founding Chancellor and H.E. Maj. Jessica Rose Epel Alupo as Founding Deputy Chancellor were made in full accordance with the NRA’s 10-Point Program. There are no legal issues with these appointments.A Call for Support and FairnessIn conclusion, KAPATU urges the National Council for Higher Education and other stakeholders to approach the project in good faith and lend their support.
The university is making great strides toward its goal of providing quality education to the people of Karamoja and beyond.The KAPATU project is an important initiative that promises to bring long-term educational and socio-economic benefits to the Karamoja region, and the promoters remain committed to fulfilling all the necessary requirements for obtaining the Provisional Licence and full accreditation.The success of KAPATU is not just a victory for Karamoja, but for the entire nation.
