In a significant step towards the full operationalization of Karamoja Peace and Technology University (KAPATU), Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho Salim Saleh, the Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation and Special Advisor to H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda on Defence and Military Affairs, has sent to Kotido a high powered delegation led by H.E. Amb. Lt. Gen. Philip Idro- the Principal Advisor to the CCOWC/SPAD, the Hon. David Bwangamoe Pulkol- the Principal Advisor to the CCOWC/SPAD and Counsel Twinobusingye Severino the Principal Legal Advisor to the CCOWC/SPAD.
The delegation conducted an official site visit at Losilang Catholic Parish, the headquarters of the University, Kotido District, located in the Karamoja subregion. The delegation confirmed the suitability of the site for the University. This is a Kairos moment in the struggle for uplifting the Karamoja sub-region.
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The day’s events began with the cerebration of the Holy Eucharist at the Good Shepherd Cathedral Kotido Catholic Diocese in Kotido Municipality.
The main celebrant of the Holy Mass was the Rt. Rev. Bishop Dominic Eibu MCCJ. The Concelebrants were the Rt. Rev. Bishop Emmanuel Bernardino Lowi Napeta, the Bishop of Torit Catholic Diocese in South Sudan and the Rt. Rev. Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok, the Bishop of Lira Catholic Diocese and the Vice President of Uganda Episcopal Conference. This day also marked the celebration of the 2nd anniversary of the Rt. Rev. Bishop Dominic Eibu MCCJ and the Rt. Rev. Bishop Emmanuel Bernardino Lowi Napeta.
The event was also graced by the Hon. Rose Lily Akello (MP), the Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity in the Office of the President of the Republic of Uganda. Also present were the area members of Parliament led by the Hon. Lokii Peter Abrahams MP Jie County, the Hon. Lokwang Hillary– MP Ik County and the Hon. Margaret Aleper – the Woman MP for Kotido District. The Resident District Commissioner Mr. Ichogor Charles also attended the function.
Uganda Cabinet Approves UGX 180b Allocation for KAPATU Project in FY 2025/26 National Budget.
After the celebration of the Holy Mass and after the cutting of the cake, the team toured the university’s site, evaluated the existing facilities, which were found to be adequate, fit and proper for the commencement of the University.
A highlight of the visit was the foundation stone, laid by the President of Uganda and the University Founding Chancellor, H.E. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. This stone symbolizes the government’s commitment to the university project.
The delegation then proceeded to Kanawat Health Centre iii and inspected the land allocated for the construction of the Faculty of Health Sciences. Kanawat Health Centre iii is to be up graded to a super specialized University Teaching Hospital. Kanawat hospital is expected to enhance healthcare services in the region.
The Rt. Rev. Dominic Eibu MCCJ, the Bishop of the Kotido Catholic Diocese, who also doubles as the University President, warmly welcomed the team. The Diocese already donated over 20,000 acres of land and the physical facilities for hosting and for the construction of the university. This significant contribution highlights a strong commitment to education and development within the entire region of Karamoja and beyond.
In a remarkable exhibition of youth engagement, the Rt. Rev. Dominic Eibu MCCJ showcased a perimeter wall that was constructed by the Ngi Karachuna. These Karachunas who were trained by Kotido Catholic Diocese did both the bricks and the actual building.
This perimeter wall is evidence that the Karachunas can be trained, engage in productive economic activities, and disengage from cattle rustling and insecurity.
KAPATU is set to play a vital role in promoting peace, sustainable development, and socioeconomic transformation in Karamoja. It has plans to provide transformative higher education focused on 21st century skills for self-reliance and community development.
In a further boost to the project’s viability, the Uganda Government has approved a substantial allocation of UGX 180 billion in the FY 2025/26 National Budget for KAPATU. This is a further demonstration of the government’s commitment to advancing education and development in Karamoja.