Karamoja Peace and Technology University (KAPATU) has officially been inaugurated in Kotido District, marking a significant milestone in the Ateker region’s long pursuit of peace, stability, and educational development. The unveiling took place on November 23 at Christ the King Parish in Losilang, with the institution expected to commence operations next year.

KAPATU was first conceived in 2014, launched in 2023, and received a Letter of Interim Authority on April 19, 2024. The university is a collaborative initiative between the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Kotido and Moroto, the Catholic Lawyers Society International (CLASI), and the Government of Uganda. It is envisioned as a transformative centre for peacebuilding, skills development, and regional empowerment.

The university will host six faculties, Health Sciences, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Education, Peace and Diplomacy, and the School of Law. Programs will range from certificate to PhD levels, emphasizing practical training, community innovation hubs, and initiatives aimed at shifting mindsets.

Bishop Damiano Guzetti, the university’s Deputy President, stated that KAPATU is founded on three core principles, Excellence, Integrity, and Service. He emphasised that education must benefit communities and contribute to a brighter national future, describing the university as “a historical service to the people of Karamoja, one that will open doors to empowerment, jobs, knowledge, and broader opportunities.” He further encouraged parents to entrust their children to the institution and urged students to “take ownership of the university, as the future of Karamoja lies in your hands.”

Bishop Dominic Eibu, President of KAPATU, expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for restoring peace in the region—a peace the university seeks to consolidate. He praised government initiatives in dialogue, reintegration, tackling cattle rustling, and investing in infrastructure and socio-economic development. Bishop Eibu also called for improved road networks in North Karamoja, noting that poor infrastructure currently 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 noted that the aspiration to establish a university in the region has existed for over 50 years. Highlighting decades of marginalisation, fragile livelihoods, climate threats, and underinvestment in education, he stressed that education remains “one of the most powerful tools of transformation,” with KAPATU serving as a strategic initiative to develop human capital for sustainable peace.

John Baptist Lokii, NRM Vice Chairperson for Karamoja, reaffirmed the Karamoja Parliamentary Group’s commitment to supporting the university’s infrastructure development. He urged leaders to mobilize youth participation in the university’s programs and opportunities. Likewise, Kaabong LCV Chairperson Meri Jino welcomed the establishment of KAPATU as a long-awaited intervention, noting that Karamoja’s literacy rate is just 24.5 per cent, far below the national average of 74 per cent.

The Government of Israel has pledged over USD 200 million to support two major projects at KAPATU: water and ICT. Planned infrastructure includes two boreholes, a valley dam, and a piped-water system to serve surrounding villages for both domestic and agricultural use. Additional support for agriculture and livestock production has also been pledged.