On December 16, 2025, the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) visited the Karamoja Peace and Technology University (KAPATU) project’s Main Campus located in Losilang, Kotido Municipality. The purpose of the visit was to assess the university’s readiness to commence academic programs, following a recent application from its management for a Provisional License from the Council.
The team, led by Dr. Saphina Biira, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at Busitema University, was welcomed by KAPATU President and Kotido Catholic Diocese Bishop Dominic Eibu MCCJ, along with the university management and strategic leadership team.
During the visit, the team toured various facilities at the Losilang campus, including key offices, the Main Library, Computer Lab, dormitories, sports facilities, and the sickbay, among others. The team also requested all necessary legal documents related to land ownership, including Certificates of Occupancy issued by the local government that confirm the suitability of all existing structures for human settlement and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with partners.
In his welcome remarks, Bishop Eibu explained the strategic importance of KAPATU to the Karamoja region, noting that the government intends to use the institution to address issues of insecurity in the area.
“I am pleased to observe that what started as a small initiative is evolving into a substantial project. The President has fulfilled his role by providing electricity, and now it is time to begin transforming our people. The Jie community is now joining the rest of Karamoja to unearth the pen. He said, adding that although KAPATU applied for a Provisional License, His Excellency the President envisions the proposed University to be a Nucleus National Public University.
In Pictures:
The Vice Chancellor Prof. Rev. Fr. Callisto Locheng AJ, informed the team that KAPATU is a serious business with a vision shared passionately by several people.
“We are all here to give you support so that you get all the information you need to facilitate the transformation and development of this university” he assured the team.
The RDC Kotido district Mr. Ichogor Charles, described KAPATU as a magic bullet that is going to trigger the desired socio-economic transformation of Karamoja in particular and Uganda in general. He said KAPATU would play a pivotal role in bringing about peace and stability in the region.
“As government, we are going to work together and ensure that KAPATU fulfils the manifesto of Protecting the Gains. Nobody should interfere in the process of establishing this university. We have waited for so long, and the time is now,” he said, adding that Karamoja is now peaceful and needs development.
“We’re disrupting the society of Karamoja. Karamoja needs to be disrupted in a positive way so that it can catch up with the rest of the world,” added Amb. Lt. Gen. Phillip Idro, the Chief of Security at the KAPATU project.
Meanwhile, in her remarks, Prof. Biira explained that for NCHE to have come to Losilang, it was a testament that the Council received KAPATU’s Application for a License proposing a number of programs, the objectives and aims for which the University is being formed in addition to the academic facilities in place among others.
“Today is my first time to be in Karamoja and I now understand why we need this university and I think it’s the right time that we have this vision bear the fruits. So, we are here to celebrate the unearthing of the Pen. We urge you to give us the necessary information so that we write a report and forward to NCHE that is going to put the final nail” she said.
Prof. Biira said the team was impressed with the level of preparedness at KAPATU noting the availability of necessary Human resource already in place even before the University begins. She urged the management, Staff and Deans who have decided to be part of KAPATU to stay forever so that their report can stand a test of time.
The team was also impressed with availability of land to allow future expansion, noting that in other universities, they are a one-stop center with industries and innovation centers within the university.
“So, because you have land, this is also possible,” she said. Other areas of excellent score according to the team’s assessment included land ownership, ready policies in place, availability of infrastructure including library, computer lab, offices, availability of utilities, certificates of occupancy, Partnership MoUs, Mobilization of necessary financial support to sustain the university, human resource and academic programs. The team however, recommended some areas of improvement including engraving of KAPATU property for proof of ownership, separation of governance and management structures to avoid micro-management and recruitment of more core staff to run the proposed programs.
In his closing remarks, Bishop Eibu described the visit as historic, noting that the day shall remain in the books for years to come.
ABOUT KAPATU
KAPATU is a Nucleus National Public University established jointly by the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Kotido and Moroto, the Catholic Lawyers Society International (CLASI), headed by its president, Counsel Severino Twinobusingye, and the government of Uganda. With its main campus situated at Losilang, Kotido municipality (Karamoja). The initiative aims to foster peace and sustainable development in the region through education.
It was conceived in 2014 but actualised on 29th April, 2023, in a colourful ceremony at Nsambya presided over by H.E. the Vice President, Maj. Jessica Alupo, who represented H.E. the President. The KAPATU project is being overseen by a Strategic Leadership Committee comprising President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (Chair/Founding Chancellor), Vice President Jessica Alupo (Founding Deputy Chancellor), and First Lady, also Minister for Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataha Museveni.
The government has, in the FY2025/26, allocated Shs180bn for the university’s establishment following a special cabinet sitting on 16th December 2024, chaired by H.E. the President and also attended by H.E. the Vice President.