The KAPATU Project aims to be a catalyst for changing mindsets and transforming Karamoja and the Ateker region in general, thereby fostering accelerated socio-economic development not only in Karamoja and Uganda, but also in the wider Great Lakes Region and the African continent.
The Karamoja and Ateker Regions are arguably the richest parts of the Great Lakes Region in terms of mineral wealth, animal husbandry, and rich culture. However, for several decades, these regions have suffered insecurity, abject poverty, and hunger, all mainly attributed to cattle rustling. This insecurity has not only distorted socio-economic development in the region but also grossly affected access to education and other social services, in effect, reducing the Karamojong people to the “wretched of the earth”.
The Karamoja Peace and Technology University (KAPATU) Project is therefore poised to offer transformative higher education focused on 21st-century skills for self-reliance and sustainable development, starting from the communities affected by cattle rustling. The KAPATU Project’s approach is designed to be an integration of formal education, peace education, health, science and technology, human rights, and psycho-social support to integrate community members who have been affected by insecurity and cattle rustling into the development initiatives.
To become a globally recognised centre for peacebuilding, innovation, and inclusive development, rooted in the cultural strength and resilience of Karamoja and Ateker.
Karamoja Peace and Technology University is committed to empowering the people of Karamoja, Ateker and beyond through transformative education, applied science and technology, and peace-centred research. It fosters inclusive learning, community-driven development, and international collaboration to shape a more equitable and sustainable present and future.
1. Academic Excellence and Relevance:
To develop and deliver at least 20 Interdisciplinary Academic Programs by 2030, focused on peace studies, ICT, environmental sustainability, and community development.
2. Community-led Innovation:
To establish community innovation hubs based on the Service-learning principle, support youth, especially the Karacunas, through entrepreneurship, digital skills training, and applied research, reaching 500,000 beneficiaries in the next five years.
3. Peace and Conflict Transformation:
To launch a Karamoja Peace Leadership Institute within KAPATU by 2026 to conduct region-specific and comparative research on conflict transformation, reconciliation, and social cohesion.
4. Internationalisation and Partnerships:
To build strategic partnerships with at least 10 International Universities or Institutions, starting from Scholas in the Vatican for joint research, faculty exchange, and student scholarships by 2027.
5. Coordination of International Projects:
To coordinate international projects of relevance such as UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to increase the visibility of the university community on the global stage.
6. Gender Equity and Inclusion:
To achieve at least 50% representation of women across student enrolment and leadership positions by 2028, with tailored support for the Karamojong and Ateker as a marginalised people in Uganda.
7. Sustainable Campus Development:
To design Karamoja Peace and Technology University as a Green University, integrating renewable energy, eco-friendly infrastructure, and climate resilience education into all its operations and curricula.
